Influence of two conservative treatment methods on foot health status in men with chronic calcaneal spur: A randomized controlled study

Objective This study compared the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with ultrasound therapy (US-control group) in preventing social limitations and the improvement of foot health status (FHS) in men with a chronic calcaneal spur (CS). Material and methods Forty men were randomly allocated and then received ESWT or US therapy. Two people from the US group ignored the call for study 3 months later, so they were excluded. Therefore, 38 men were analyzed. The ESWT group received 5 treatments once a week, and sessions took place at weekly intervals. Meanwhile, the US group received 10 treatments, 3 times per week. The FHS was assessed using a foot health status questionnaire (FHSQ). The scores were recorded and compared within the groups and between the groups pre treatment, immediately post treatment, and 3 months post treatment. Results We found a significant improvement of FHS and reduction of social limitations immediately post treatment (up to 3 months post treatment in patients with chronic CS). Conclusion The results of this study provide evidence that patients with CS can obtain greater significant health benefits of the foot care when treated by ESWT, rather than by US.