title: Outcome of plantar fasciitis treatment using monochrome infrared irradiation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Conservative treatment yields a good result, but it takes long time to accomplish the goal. Physical therapy modality, i.e. Infrared ray is one of the options that maybe help for quicker recovery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the results of infrared rays for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  70 patients with diagnosis of plantar fasciitis at Phramongkutklao Hospital were divided in 2 groups. First group received a conservative treatment by NSAIDS, achiles tendon stretching. The second group is like the first group, with addition of infrared rays. The pain was measured at initial and 6 months post treatment using visual analog scale (VAS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In control group, 34 from 39 feet had lower VAS at 6 months, from 8.41 to 5.28. In the studied group, 35 from 44 feet had lower VAS at 6 months, from 8.70 to 3.38. No patient had the worse symptoms since the using of infrared rays.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of infrared rays for the treatment of plantar fasciitis is effective. Infrared rays are safe and easy to use.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. nwrbl@yahoo.com
authors: Nitis
authors: N
authors: Reeboonlap
authors: Neti
authors: N
authors: Satitsmithpong
authors: Pinit
authors: P
authors: Phisitkul
authors: Korakot
authors: K
authors: Charakorn
mesh_terms: D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome