Post-burn tarsal tunnel syndrome response to extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Abstract

IntroductionTo evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on electrophysiological responses in patients suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome after burnMethodsOverall, 40 male and female individuals with tarsal tunnel syndrome after a burn injury were equally divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received ESWT in addition to a routine physical therapy program, which consisted of stretching of calf muscles followed by pulsed ultrasound, ice massage, and ankle pump exercise. Group 2 received the routine physical therapy program only. The area of popliteal fossa (slightly laterally) was outlined and 100 impulses per cm2 and another 100 impulses per cm2 were administered over the area behind and above the medial malleolus. The 2 areas were administered every 2 weeks for 3 months as a total period of treatment. Sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities of the lateral and medial plantar branches of the tibial nerve were measured before the treatment and after 3 months.ResultsThere was an improvement and a significant decrease in the prolonged motor and distal latencies of the 2 branches of the posterior tibial nerve in the ESWT group compared with group 2 (<i>p</i> < 0.05).ConclusionsESWT is effective in treating patients suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome after burn as evidenced by decreasing the prolonged motor and sensory distal latencies of the 2 branches of the posterior tibial nerve