EFFECTIVENESS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN REDUCING PAIN AND INCREASING ACTIVITY IN PLANTAR FASCITIS

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar fascitis is an overstrain syndrome that manifests as pain in the lower part of the heel. In some cases, the pain can occur along the entire length of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. The shock wave is a non-invasive method for the treatment of musculoskeletal changes. It is an acoustic wave that transmits high energy to painful sites and myoskeletal tissues with subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions.
The aim of the work: To examine the analgesic effect of shock wave therapy in patients with chronic plantar fascitis, as well as the impact of shock wave therapy on the performance of daily activities.
Methods and materials: In our research, the average age of the patients was 18 - 65 years. This prospective study examined 21 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months. The numerical pain scale at the beginning and end of the therapy, the functional index for the lower extremities (The Lower Extremity Functional Index - LEFI) was used to conduct the research. On the LEFI questionnaire, patients evaluate difficulties in daily activities at the beginning and at the end of therapy.
Results: Based on the results of the Wilcoxon ranked test, a significant reduction in the level of pain was observed after therapy (Z=-3.462;p=0.001). After therapy, a significant improvement in daily activities was observed (p< 0.05). The total average score before therapy was 50.81±14.18, while after therapy the average score was 68.43±12.06. on the LEFI questionnaire. Significant differences were observed (t=-5.758; p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Shock wave therapy proved to be a successful method of pain treatment for the examined diagnosis, improving the functionality and quality of life of patients. Patients can improve their activities of daily living and reduce disability with this non-invasive, cost-effective and safe intervention.