Use of low-frequency electrical stimulation for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
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.
Stratton
Michael
M
Continuum Wellness Clinic, Gilbert, AZ, USA.
McPoil
Thomas G
TG
Cornwall
Mark W
MW
Patrick
Kyle
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult