Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Comparison of Two Methods in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

We compared the results of radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. This prospective study included 56 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis who had complaints for ≥6 months: 40 (group 1) underwent ESWT and 16 (group 2) underwent RTL. The presence of calcaneal spurs was investigated with imaging studies. All patients were followed up clinically at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Clinical evaluations were performed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and the modified Roles-Maudsley (RM) scoring system. There was no significant difference in the age, sex, body mass index, and side of involvement between the groups (all P > .05). Radiographic evaluation showed calcaneal spurs in 22 patients (55%) in group 1 and 7 patients (43%) in group 2. There was no significant difference in the baseline and posttreatment values between the groups; however, group 2 had significantly different RM values at 1 month than group 1 (P < .05). In both groups, the VAS scores significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment (P < .05). The RM scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment significantly decreased in both groups, except for the RM values at 1 month after treatment in group 1 (P < .05). Our study results suggest that RTL and ESWT are safe and effective treatments in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Levels of Evidence: Level II: Therapeutic study