Effectiveness of a Double Air-Cushioned Shoe Compared with Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Objective. This study was aimed at comparing the plantar fasciitis treatment effect of a double air-cushioned shoe to that of physiotherapy combined with ESWT. Methods. Retrospective chart review of 40 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis was performed. Group 1 wore a double air-cushioned shoe for 2 months, and group 2 underwent physiotherapy with ESWT once/week over a 4-week period. The foot function index (FFI) score was obtained at the initial visit, 1 month, and 2 months. Results. There were 25 patients in group 1 and 15 patients in group 2. The pretreatment FFI was 62.6 for group 1 and 50 for group 2. The 1-month posttreatment FFI was 45.6 for group 1 and 35.7 for group 2. The 2-month posttreatment FFI was 35 for group 1 and 43.1 for group 2. In both groups 1 and 2, follow-up FFIs were significantly improved from the initial FFI (p<0.05) and there were no significant differences between two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. The double air-cushioned shoe can be considered an alternative treatment option for noninvasive treatment of early-stage plantar fasciitis.

Evaluation and optimisation of a footwear assessment tool for use within a clinical environment

“…This component of footwear did not form any consensus from the rounds of critique and therefore was not included in the tool. Despite this cushioning footwear is commonly used in clinical situations to reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis [36], plantar heel pain [37] and fat pad atrophy [38]. However, the use of cushioning insoles appears to be a preferred option for clinical intervention in patients with diabetes [39] and for reducing metatarsal pressure [40] which may explain why the discussions about including this theme within the tool came to no consensus as clinicians may focus on insole material for cushioning rather than footwear itself.…”

“…Provision of continual professional development training with a focus on detailed footwear assessment would enrich a podiatrists clinical footwear assessment and then the advice given to patients. Similarly, consideration should be given around the assessment of cushioning in a shoe, as although this was not felt to be a theme that had an agreement the relevance of cushioning is evident in footwear advice [36][37][38]. Further work to create a clinically relevant assessment feature for analysis of cushioning could provide clinicians with a suitable measure when assessing footwear.…”

The effect of non-contrast enhanced MRA on patients with renal insufficiency and foot pain

“…Foot pain is a common clinical disease with many causes. [ 1 , 2 ] Tissue ischemia caused by foot artery stenosis or occlusion is one of the reasons. [ 3 , 4 ] Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are both highly accurate in identifying stenosis of foot arteries.…”

Efficacy of Percussive Massage versus Calf Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis – A Research Protocol

“…Stretchings and exercises, which are part of physiotherapeutic treatment, can be an effective way to provide targeted and gradual amounts of strain to damaged soft tissue, which may aid proper remodelling [9].…”