Comparison of short–term analgesic effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and conservative treatment (CT) in men with chronic heel spur (HS)

Pawe? Lizis

Volume : III, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Comparison of short–term analgesic effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and conservative treatment (CT) in men with chronic heel spur (HS)

Pawe Lizis

Abstract :

Surgical removal of heel spur (HS) provokes many controversies. An alternative is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), it�s a non–invasive method. The aim�s to compare ESWT short–term analgesic effects and conservative treatment (CT) in males with chronic HS. Sixty patients (54.9 � 4.3 years; 42–59 years) with HS pain were examined. The shockwave group (SG) received 1000–2000 impulses a session. These patients took 5 ESWT once a week. The control group (CG) received CT: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), orthotics, a local cortisone injection. We evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The groups were tested before the first, after the last treatment, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. A significant decrease of VAS (p = 0.000) in the shockwave group. In the control group no significant decrease of VAS. ESWT reduces pain more effectively than CT in men with chronic HS.