Abstract 18: Plantar fasciitis: a new treatment approach.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a new approach that shortens the duration of plantar fasciitis treatment. Design: Randomized controlled study. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Participants: 64 patients were randomly assigned to intensive conventional physical therapy (PT) (n=34) or needling and infiltration of the myofascial trigger points at the proximal portion of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (n=30). Interventions: Patients in the PT group received ultrasound and electric stimulation at the origin of the plantar fascia followed by stretching exercises of the gastrocnemius muscle. The other group was treated by needling and infiltration (1% lidocaine) of the taut band at the proximal portion of the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the involved limb(s). Injections were performed at weekly intervals. PT was administered for 3 consecutive days after the injections. Patients were instructed to perform stretching of the gastrocnemius muscles and of the plantar fascia at home twice a day. Main Outcome Measures: Visual analog scale and hindfoot functional test (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot Questionnaire) were performed before and after treatment by an independent evaluator. Duration of treatment was compared between the 2 groups. Results: Statistically significant reduction of pain and improvement in function were observed in both groups, without any differences between them. The time required to achieve the same improvement was significantly less (80%) in the injected group than in the control group ( P<.001). The number of PT sessions needed was also significantly reduced ( P<.001). Postinjection soreness and local hematoma were found in 30% of the patients. No local infection or other major complications were noticed in any cases. Conclusions: Although treatment in both groups was equally successful, needling and infiltration of the medial gastrocnemius muscle provided faster pain relief and functional recovery in patients with plantar fasciitis.