JORR
Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation

The Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation welcomes scholarly papers in orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, physiotherapy, neurology and clinic anesthesiology and reanimation.

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Original Article
Comparison of the effectiveness of medium- and low-intensity ESWT in patients with plantar fasciitis
Abstract
Aims: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is caused by inflammation or microtrauma of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive method that reduces pain via acoustic waves. This study compared medium- and low-intensity ESWT effects on pain and quality of life in PF patients.
Methods: Forty-two PF patients without recent conservative treatment were randomized into low-intensity ESWT (L-ESWT), medium-intensity ESWT (M-ESWT), and placebo groups. All received cold packs and a standardized exercise program. Outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), algometry, Roles and Maudsley (RM) score, joint range of motion, Foot Function Index (FFI), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and six weeks.
Results: L-ESWT and M-ESWT groups showed significant pain reduction and improved joint mobility and function after treatment and at six weeks (p<0.05). NHP subdomains of pain, energy, and sleep also improved (p<0.05). L-ESWT yielded greater RM score improvement (p=0.01). No significant differences were found between ESWT groups in overall effectiveness (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The positive effects of ESWT persisted at six weeks, supporting its short- to mid-term benefit in managing PF-related symptoms.

Keywords : Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, pain, plantar fasciitis, rehabilitation

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 1, 2026
Page : 8-15
https://doi.org/10.51271/JORR-0063
Article Information
Received : 15 Ağu 2025
Accepted : 11 Oca 2026
Published : 31 Oca 2026
Corresponding Author :

Besna İrem Şekerci: Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Institute of Postgraduate Education, Bolu, Turkey.

[email protected]
Citation : Kılıç N, Şekerci Bİ, Çankaya T. Comparison of the effectiveness of medium-and low-intensity ESWT in patients with plantar fasciitis. J Orthop Res Rehabil. 2026;4(1):8-15.

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