Comparison of the Acute Effects of Focused and Radial ESWT on Pain and Balance Performance in Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aimed to compare the acute effects of focused and radial ESWT on pain and balance performance in individuals with plantar fasciitis. The study included 40 individuals (27 females and 13 males) aged between 18 and 63 years, presenting with plantar fasciitis (PF). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was administered once a week for four weeks. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups (f-ESWT and r-ESWT). Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, while Static and Dynamic Balance were evaluated using the Biodex Balance System.

Inclusion criteria

unilateral or bilateral tenderness in the medial tubercle of calcaneus and heel pain in the first few steps in the morning, which gets worse with increased activity, absence of any known systemic disease, absence of any surgical procedure to lower extremity, absence of any treatment for PF in the last 6 months, 18-65 years, and consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

pregnancy, pacemaker, receiving anticoagulant therapy, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, tumor, acute infection, nerve root compression, local dermatological or neurological problems, diabetes mellitus, taking anti-inflammatory drugs during treatment, or incomplete follow-up.