Title: Effects of ultrasound therapy on plantar fasciitis
Authors: A. Banik*, N. Khandaker, R. Hamid
Abstract
Background: The plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in
adults with multifactorial etiology involving inflammation and degeneration of the
plantar fascia origin. Many treatment options exist including rest, stretching and
strengthening exercises, footwear modification, night splints, NSAIDs, ultrasound
therapy and surgery. In this study we observe the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy in
relieving the symptom of plantar fasciitis.
Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted on 70 randomly selected patients
based on 6 months experience (July, 2012 to December, 2012) at department of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU),
Dhaka. The patients were randomized into one of two groups. Group A (case) was treated
with NSAIDs (Tablet Naproxen 250 mg twice daily), ultrasound therapy (1 Mega Hertz,
0.8 W/cm2 for 5-7 minutes) and Group B (Control) was treated with NSAIDs only.
Evaluations were made before treatment and every 14 days interval with 3 visits. In each
visit patients were assessed by Pain Score (0-4), Pain frequency score (1-5), Visual
analog scale (VAS), 50 feet walking time, seconds.
RESULTS: Out of 70 patients, mean age was 40.42(±9.94) in Group A and
44.42(±14.06) in Group B with minimum age was found 22 and maximum age 60. Mean
pain score at first follow up was 10.80(±1.43) in Group A and 10.48(±1.42) in Group B,
p value was (0.36) that was statistically not significant. Mean pain score at 2nd follow up
observed in Group A was 8.02(±1.31) and 8.65(±1.31) in Group B, p value measured
(0.03) that is statistically significant. Mean pain score at 3rd follow up was 4.68(±1.58) in
Group A and 6.74(±1.89) in Group B measuring P value (<0.001) that is statistically
significant. That concludes that Group A had significant improvement than Group B at
2nd and 3rd follow up.
Conclusion: The results suggest that this therapeutic modality should be considered as a
preferable treatment option for relieving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, Ultrasound therapy.