Use of low-frequency electrical stimulation for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Recent research has discussed the use of low-frequency electrical stimulation to increase blood flow by eliciting muscular contraction in soft tissues. This randomized clinical trial examined the efficacy of low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with stretching exercises and foot orthoses in individuals diagnosed as having plantar fasciitis for less than 6 months.

METHODS:

Twenty-six participants aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed as having plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: a control group receiving only stretching and orthoses and a treatment group receiving low-frequency electrical stimulation in addition to stretching and orthoses. To assess treatment response, a visual analog scale was used to determine first-step morning pain, and changes in daily activity levels were monitored by using a validated outcome measure. All of the participants were assessed before starting treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, and 3 months after the conclusion of treatment.

RESULTS:

Participants in the control and experimental groups demonstrated pain reduction and improvements in functional activity levels after 4 weeks and 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Regardless of whether low-frequency electrical stimulation was used as an intervention, the use of plantar fascia-specific stretching and prefabricated foot orthoses provided short-term (3-month) pain relief and improvement in functional activity levels.

• Authors: Michael Stratton, Thomas G McPoil, Mark W Cornwall, Kyle Patrick
• Journal: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc) 2009 Nov-Dec Vol. 99 Issue 6 Pg. 481-8 ISSN: 1930-8264 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19917733 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Electric Stimulation Therapy (methods)
• Fasciitis, Plantar (therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult