Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Pain Relief in Plantar Fasciitis: A Narrative Review

Sushmita Karki

Sushmita Karki Department of Physiotherapy, Kathmandu Valley Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal

Keywords: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, Plantar fasciitis, Pain

Abstract

Background: The most frequent cause of discomfort in the inferior heel is plantar fasciitis, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is one of the most effective therapies for plantar fasciitis. It was aimed to determine how extracorporeal shock wave therapy would affect plantar fasciitis.

Method: Studies were searched on Google Scholar and PubMed over the last 10 years. Randomised control trials (RCT), meta-analysis, cohort, and observational studies which used extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis were included and the primary outcome of this study is variation in pain relief.

Results: Patients with persistent plantar fasciitis who had extracorporeal shock wave therapy showed a moderately positive correlation with reduced pain and improved foot function of individuals.

Conclusion: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective in decreasing pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202615

How to cite this article:
Karki S. Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Pain Relief in Plantar Fasciitis: A Narrative Review. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2026;12(3):29-33.

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