Comparison of the Efficacy of Shock Wave Therapy and Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Last updated: March 6, 2025
Sponsor: Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Soft Tissue Infections

Treatment

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Low Intensity Laser

EXERCİSE

Clinical Study ID

NCT06846931
AhiEvranUERH-FTR-EP-01
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and low-intensity laser therapy on pain, functionality, plantar fascia thickness and balance in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male and female patients between 18 and 65 years of age, diagnosed with "plantarfasciitis" by anamnesis and physical examination

  • Complaint duration of at least 3 months

  • Patients who agree to participate in the study

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Complaint lasting less than 3 months

  • Injection in the heel area in the last 6 months

  • Use of physiotherapy modalities for the heel in the last 6 months

  • Bilateral complaint

  • Pregnancy

  • Malignancy

  • Epilepsy

  • History of cardiac pacemaker

  • Anticoagulant use

  • History of systemic inflammatory disease

  • History of lower extremity fracture or surgery

  • Existing open wound in the heel area

  • Patient hypersensitivity

  • Systemic infection in the patient

  • Uncontrolled hypertension in the patient

  • Patient inability to cooperate

  • History of neuromuscular disease affecting balance parameters

  • Unwillingness of the patient to participate in the study

Study Design

Total Participants: 90
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Phase:
Study Start date:
March 07, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
December 30, 2025

Study Description

Plantar fasciitis is a pathology resulting from inflammation and/or degeneration of the plantar fascia of the sole of the foot. It affects about 10% of the population. It is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain in the community and there is tenderness to palpation on the medial aspect of the heel bone. Patients complain of pain particularly with the first step in the morning and after rest. Mechanical overload and overuse can cause inflammation of the fascia. Diagnosis is usually made by clinical assessment and no further investigations are required.

In this study, 90 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be enrolled and participants will be randomised into 3 groups. The 1st group will be taught ESWT and home exercises for 1 session per week for 3 weeks and will be asked to do it every day. The 2nd group will receive 3 sessions of low intensity LASER per week for 3 weeks and will be asked to do home exercises every day. The 3rd group will only be taught home exercises and asked to do participants every day for 3 weeks. Visual analogue scale, foot function index, plantar fascia thickness measurement with USG and balance parameters will be measured at the beginning of the study, at the end of the treatment and at week 12.

Connect with a study center

  • Kırşehir Ahi Evran University

    Kirşehi̇r, 40100
    Turkey

    Active - Recruiting

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