Piezoelectric focal waves application in the treatment of plantar fascitis

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most frequent causes of thalalgia and disability. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an ideal alternative to conservative treatments.

Objetive: To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment with Piezoelectric Focal Shock Waves with echographic support and maintenance of the effect at 3 and 6 months.

Materials and methods: Causi-experimental, retrospective statistical study,June 2015 to June 2017, of 90 patients, 36.6% men and 63.3% women, with a mean age of 52 years, diagnosed with PF. Three sessions (one weekly for 3 weeks) of shock wave therapy (PiezoWave F10 G4 generator) were performed, with echographic support and weekly revision and at 3 and 6 months.

Main variables: pain,using Visual Analog Scale before and after each session and at 3 and 6 months and Roles and Maudsley Scale at the end of treatment and at 3 and 6 months.

Results: 2000 pulses per session were applied, medium energy intensity 0.45 mJ /mm2, median frequency 8 MHz and median depth of focus of 15 mm. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the Visual Analog Scale between the 3 treatment sessions and after 3 and 6 months posttreatment,obtaining a statistically significant improvement in all values (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Treatment with piezoelectric focal shock waves in PF may reduces pain from the first session and achieves a subjective perception of improvement, maintaining these results at 6 months post -treatment.

Keywords: Chronic plantar fasciitis; Fascitis plantar; Piezoelectric focal shock waves therapy; Rehabilitación; Terapia con ondas de choque; Treatment.