Based on findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain reported that, when compared to corticosteroid injections:
- At 3 months, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was better than corticosteroids injections in
- reducing pain (SMD −0.6; 95%CI −1.1 to −0.11) and
- thickness of the plantar fascia (SMD −0.4; 95%CI −0.8 to −0.01) and
- increasing foot function (SMD 0.27; 95%CI 0.12–0.44).
- At 6 months, ESWT was more effective in
- reducing pain (SMD −0.81; 95%CI −1.6 to −0.06) and
- increasing foot function (SMD 0.67; 95%CI 0.45–0.89).
Local pain and slight erythema were the most frequent adverse events.
Source: Cortés-Pérez I, Moreno-Montilla L, Ibáñez-Vera AJ, Díaz-Fernández Á, Obrero-Gaitán E, Lomas-Vega R. Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, compared to corticosteroid injections, on pain, plantar fascia thickness and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/02692155241253779
