Extracoporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

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Overview

Electracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) uses pulses of sound energy (shock waves). It is thought to work for plantar fasciitis by causing microtrauma which triggers a healing response, thereby reducing pain and promoting healing.

RESCU Treatment Ratings

R = RiskĀ  Ā  Ā  E = EffectivenessĀ  Ā  Ā  S = Self-Care

C = Cost Ā  Ā  U = Usefulness (overall rating)

1 = Least Favorable Ā  Ā  5 = Most Favorable

R

RISK: 4/5

4_Hearts_Treatment_Rating

ESWT appears to be a relatively safe procedure, though there are few systematic reviews of side effects in the scientific literature. One study showed side effects included localized pain, swelling, redness, bruising, numbness or tingling, severe headaches, and throbbing sensations occurred but were generally short-lived.

Sources:

Roerdink RL,Ā Dietvorst M,Ā van der Zwaard B,Ā van der Worp H,Ā Zwerver J. Complications of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in plantar fasciitis: Systematic review.Ā Int J Surg.Ā 2017 Oct;46:133-145.

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