title: Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Without Local Anesthesia in Patients With Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis without local anesthesia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 2015 for randomized controlled trials comparing ESWT without local anesthesia versus placebo for treatment of plantar fasciitis in adults. The primary outcome was the 12-week post-intervention success rate of reducing the visual analog scale score by 60% from baseline at the first step in the morning, reducing the VAS score by 60% from baseline during daily activities, reducing the Roles and Maudsley score, reducing overall heel pain, and reducing pain after applying a force meter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, ESWT significantly improved the success rate of reducing overall heel pain, reducing the VAS score by 60% at the first step in the morning and during daily activities, improving the Roles and Maudsley score to excellent or good, and reducing heel pain after application of a pressure meter.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ESWT seems to be particularly effective in relieving pain associated with RPF. ESWT should be considered when traditional treatments have failed.
  Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to (1) understand the recovery rates for nonsurgical treatment of plantar fasciitis, (2) understand the role of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, and (3) understand the indications to incorporate ESWT in the treatment plan of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
  Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
authors.affiliation: From the Orthopedic Centre, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces of Jinzhou Medical University Postgraduate Training Base, Beijing (JL, SW, GX); and Fourth Military Medical University, Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng (SL), China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Shuai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shuitao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Gengyan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Xing
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006365:Heel; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome