To explore the long-term effectiveness of using extracorporeal shock waves in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy was applied to 23 plantar fasciitis sufferers once a week for three weeks. MRI examinations were performed before and 4 hours after the first treatment. Before the treatment and one month after it was complete, all of the patients rated their pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and their infirmity was quantified using a heel tenderness index (HTI) and the ankle-hind foot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). The longest walking time was also recorded. Paired t-tests compared the T2 values of the fascia, muscles and fat pads, the longest walking time and the VAS scores before and after the treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients were evaluated to test the significance of any correlation between the T2 changes and the changes in the VAS scores.

After the shock wave therapy, the average VAS, HIT and AOFAS scores had significantly decreased, while the longest walking time had increased significantly. The magnetic resonance imaging showed increased edema in the fascia and their surrounding soft tissues. And the extent and degree of the T2 weighted high signal increased four hours after the treatment. The changes in the T2 values correlated positively and significantly with the changes in the VAS scores.

Extracorporeal shock waves have an excellent therapeutic effect on plantar fasciitis. They can significantly relieve heel pain and improve foot movement.

Plantar fasciitis; Extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Magnetic resonance imaging; Therapeutic effectiveness