• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.151-161
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• 2021

Purpose : This study was to investigate the effectiveness of ESWT and plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise vs ESWT and high-load strengthening exercise in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Methods : The subjects were randomized to extracorporeal shock wave therapy ( ESWT, for 3 weeks) and daily plantar-specific stretching (Group I: Stretch group) or ESWT and high-load progressive strength (Group II: Strength group) performed every second day. The main outcome measures were ultrasound, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Korean Foot Function Index (KFFI). The ultrasound (plantar fascia thickness), pain intensity I, II (the most painful of the day?, the pain when you first step in the morning?) and KFFI (functional performance) were compared between the groups. Results : No significant difference was observed between the groups in the plantar fascia thickness but pain intensity I, II was significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 at only 12weeks and functional performance was also significantly increased in Group 2 compared to Group 1 at only 12 weeks. Conclusion : The high-load strengthening exercise consisting of the progressive exercise protocol, resulted in superior after 12 weeks compared with plantar-specific stretching. High-load strength exercise may aid in a quicker reduction in pain and improvements in functional performance.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.237-249
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• 2021

Purpose : This study was to compare the effect changes after physical therapy (extracorporeal shock wave therapy + high-load strengthening exercise) or corticosteroid injection in patients diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis. Methods : A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to each group of 20. According to the intervention method, "Group 1. Physiotherapy" was performed for 12 weeks, and "Group 2. Corticosteroid injection" was performed only once. As a pre-intervention test, plantar fascia thickness, pain intensity I, II (What is the most painful moment of the day?, How painful is the first step in the morning?), and functional performance were measured. To compare the effects of each group, the tests 3, 6, and 12 weeks after were also performed using the same measurement method. Also, after 12 weeks, patient satisfaction was also compared. Results : There was no significant difference between the groups in the change in the thickness of the plantar fascia during all periods. However, pain intensity I, II was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 at only 12 weeks and functional performance was also significantly increased in Group 1 compared to Group 2 at only 12 weeks. Also, there was no significant difference between groups in patient satisfaction. Conclusion : The physiotherapy protocol, which consisted of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-load strengthening exercise, showed excellent results, especially after 12 weeks, compared to corticosteroid injection. It is recommended as a more effective treatment method as it is possible to safely return to daily life by reducing pain and improving functional performance.