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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
Published on: August 2, 2024
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Extracorporeal Pulse-Activated Therapy versus Injection: Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
Summary
Extracorporeal pulse-activated therapy (EPAT) significantly reduced plantar fasciitis pain more than corticosteroid injections. EPAT offers a more effective treatment option for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition encountered in podiatric practice.
- Corticosteroid injection is a traditional treatment, while Extracorporeal Pulse-Activated Therapy (EPAT) is an emerging technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively compare pain and functional outcomes of plantar fasciitis patients treated with corticosteroid injection versus EPAT.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients with plantar fasciitis were treated with either corticosteroid injection or EPAT between November 2014 and April 2016.
- Pain and function were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score.
Main Results:
- EPAT demonstrated a mean VAS pain reduction of 1.98 points, significantly greater than the 0.94-point reduction from corticosteroid injection (P = .035).
- This indicates a superior efficacy of EPAT in alleviating pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Conclusions:
- Extracorporeal Pulse-Activated Therapy (EPAT) is as effective, or potentially more so, than corticosteroid injection for treating recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
- EPAT should be considered earlier in the treatment algorithm for plantar fasciitis.
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