Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Silicone Insole in Plantar Fasciitis

F. Akkurt, H. E. Akkurt, H. Yilmaz, Y. Olgun, Z. Sen
International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 6:5, 2018

Plantar fasciitis (PF), also known as plantar heel pain syndrome, heel spur syndrome, or painful heel syndrome, is an inflammatory disease of the plantar fascia. Many different methods have been used to treat it, but optimal treatment for this clinical condition is still unknown. 52 patients treated with (High-intensity laser therapy) HILT + insole and only insole was included in the study retrospectively. They had been assessed for the pain in the first steps in the morning, after 10 minute and 60 minute walk with 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) and Heel Tenderness Index (HTI), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and measurement of plantar fascia thickness.
Both groups showed a significant improvement regarding all parameters (pain scores, function and quality of life scores, and fat pad thickness) one month after treatment. When the pre and post-treatment percentage changes were compared, a significant difference was found between both groups regarding all VAS score parameters, FAOS foot and ankle related quality of life, FAOS pain, and HTI scores in HILT and insole group. HILT + insole therapy was considered to be more effective than only silicone insole with regard to decrease in pain and increase in quality of life.