Researchers Study Use of Vibration in Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Researchers at Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea recently studied the use of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy to effectively treat plantar fasciitis (PF).
 
PF is a common musculoskeletal, inflammatory condition that is characterized by severe pain in the heel of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament supports the arch of the foot, functioning as a shock absorber. The ligament can experience tears and damage from increased activity which leads to PF.
 
Current treatment consists of pain management through anti-inflammatory drugs, steroidal medications, stretching exercises, night-splint therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). 
 
A team led by Dr. JongEun Yim, associate professor of Physical Therapy and director of the Active Research Center at Sahmyook University. Has explored the use of local vibration (LV) in combination with ESTW as a treatment to PF. 
 
The research was published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 
 
“PF is a common and painful orthopedic ailment affecting many individuals. However, there are limited therapy options available at present,” commented Yim. “This motivated me to study novel PF treatment options that can be more effective and contribute to improved patient outcomes.”
 
While ESWT alone has been proven as an effective treatment in reducing heel pain, it is expensive and in cases of PF can cause increased sensitivity. Yim’s study showed the combination of LV and ESWT as an effective treatment approach for treating chronic plantar fasciitis.
 
“LV devices are portable, inexpensive, and reduce pain after PF treatment. This study highlighting the novel combination approach may help to establish a treatment protocol for the PF condition,” Yim concluded. 
 
The study involved a randomized controlled trial that involving 34 participants that were divided into two treatment groups. One group received both LV and ESWT, while the second group only received ESWT. 
 
The parameters were assessed at the beginning and end of a 5-week treatment period. Ultrasonography tracked the thickness of the plantar fascia, and a questionnaire was used to evaluate plantar-heel pain and foot function. 
 
Results indicated that the combination treatment of LV and ESWT was more effective and significant in reducing heel pain and the thickness of the plantar fascia.