Ground reaction force analysis for assessing the efficacy of focused and radial shockwaves in the treatment symptomatic plantar heel spur.

Background Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is among the conservative treatments for symptomatic heel spur. Objective The purpose of this trial is to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of radial shock wave (RSWT) and focused shock wave (FSWT) applied in the treatment of symptomatic heel spur. Methods Fifty-five participants were randomly divided into two comparative groups that were administered FSWT and RSWT, respectively. The severity of dysfunction (Foot Function Index, FFI), ground reaction forces (GRF) and walking temporal parameters were measured in all patients at baseline and at weeks 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 after treatment. Results In both groups, a gradual decrease in the FFI values occurred after treatment. The percentage reduction in the FFI was comparable for both groups. Statistically significant changes were only noted between some measurements of GRF and walking temporal parameters. The percentage changes in the values of the force and temporal parameters were similar between the groups. Conclusions Both FSWT and RSWT are efficacious in the treatment of symptomatic heel spur and their therapeutic effects are comparable. Objective data registered by force platforms during walking are not useful for tracing the progress of treatment applied to patients with symptomatic heel spur between consecutive procedures.