Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: Evidence-Based Review
Journal: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Year: 2021
Authors: Sun J, Gao F, Wang Y, et al.
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02596-8
Key Findings
- Shockwave therapy significantly reduces pain in chronic plantar fasciitis
- Moderate to high-energy shockwave is more effective than low-energy
- Combined with stretching, outcomes are superior to shockwave alone
- Effects are maintained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up
This meta-analysis evaluated 27 randomized controlled trials involving 2,451 patients to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis.
The analysis found that shockwave therapy significantly reduces pain and improves function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis compared to placebo or other treatments. Moderate to high-energy protocols were more effective than low-energy protocols.
Best Practice Recommendation
Shockwave therapy should be considered for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who have not responded to first-line treatments (stretching, footwear modification, orthotics). Best results are achieved when shockwave is combined with a structured stretching and strengthening program.