PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for patients with chronic proximal plantar fascitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2005 and April 2006, 35 cases (24 patients) who were followed more than 6 months were evaluated. By EvoTron(R), 2 sessions of ESWT (Group 1: 1200 and Group 2: 1500 shock waves/session of 0.12 mJ/mm2) were performed at 2 weeks interval. The mean age was 40.0 (range, 15-59) years. 13 patients were male and 11 patients were female. Visual analogue scale (VAS) on daily activity and a 100-point scoring system including 70 points for pain and 30 points for function were used. The clinical outcomes were rated as follows: excellent, no pain on daily activity; good, less than 50% of previous VAS; fair, 50-75% of previous VAS; or poor, more than 75% of previous VAS. Excellent and good were graded as satisfactory results. We compare clinical results between groups and evaluate the relationships between clinical results and duration of symptom, fascial thickening and previous steroid injection were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall satisfactory rate were 71.4%. There was no significant difference of clinical results between groups. And there were no significant difference between clinical results and duration of symtom, preoperative fascial thickening and previous steroid injection. CONCLUSIONS: ESWT for recalcitrant chronic proximal plantar fascitis is useful treatment method with high patient satisfaction and pain relief, but more long-term study must be needed.
Fasciitis ; Fasciitis, Plantar* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Patient Satisfaction ; Shock*