Efficacy of Shock Waves Combined with Adjuvant Therapy with Tendon Supplement in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract

Physical treatment with focused shock waves is effective in the treatment of tendonitis in 60-90% of cases. Plantar fasciitis is attributable to the group of tendon pathologies for its degenerative-inflammatory anatomopathological characteristics. Food supplements could facilitate the healing of tendinopathies when combined with shock wave therapy. We designed a single-blind, randomized prospective study (level of evidence IB). Forty-four patients with plantar fasciitis were recruited and randomized to group A (18 patients) and group B (26 patients), where they were treated with focused shock waves alone and the combination of focused shock waves and tendon supplement, respectively. Statistically significant improvement in pain remission (primary endpoint) and functional recovery (secondary endpoint) occurred in both groups at three time points of the monitoring (Months 0, 3, and 6). The time-group interaction analysis confirmed the best efficacy of the combination treatment with shockwave and supplement (group B). The results of this study demonstrate a positive therapeutic effect of the combination of focused shock wave therapy and a complex tendon supplement in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.