Recent research shines light on this treatment method...
Plantar Fasciitis (PF) can be a severely debilitating condition that effects those typically in the 40+ age groups. There are many treatments that an help this condition when it's in its mild form, but for those with moderate to severe cases it can be much tougher to deal with.
Although numerous studies reported that corticosteroid injection, as one of the most popular treatment for PF, may be effective to relieve pain in a short period of time,[14,15] it may lead to serious adverse events such as PF rupture.[16]
I have been using Laser Therapy to treat those with PF for years and have very good success with even the worst cases. It's nice to see the research catching up with what I've experienced over the last 10 years.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is based on the principles of photochemistry that militates via photochemical or nonthermal effects on cells.[17] Considerable studies have reported that LLLT could cure a variety of diseases, including subacromial impingement syndrome,[18] acute and chronic pain,[19] stroke,[20] temporomandibular disorder,[21] oral mucositis,[22] lymphedema,[23] and carpal tunnel syndrome.[24] In recent years, LLLT has been used to relieve pain caused by PF.[25] Cinar et al reported that LLLT could significantly increase function subscale of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score total score at 3 weeks and effectively improve walking distance and walking surface.[26] Additionally, ultrasound imaging results suggested that after LLLT intervention, plantar fascia thickness was significantly decreased when compared with that in the placebo group.[27]
Feel free to share this with anyone you know suffering with Plantar Fasciitis. The study is referenced below if you'd like further reading.
Dr. Hanson
Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis
A systematic review and meta-analysis
Wei Wang, MSc,a Weifeng Jiang, MSc,b Chuanxi Tang, MD,c Xiao Zhang, MSc,a and Jie Xiang, MDa,∗
In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that LLLT may effectively relieve the heel pain of patients with PF, at least in the short term (i.e. 3 months).
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