Outcome of plantar fasciitis treatment using monochrome infrared irradiation
Reeboonlap, N.; Satitsmithpong, N.; Phisitkul, P.; Charakorn, K.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 95(Suppl 10): S147-S150
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 23451454 Document Number: 13880
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Conservative treatment yields a good result, but it takes long time to accomplish the goal. Physical therapy modality, i.e. Infrared ray is one of the options that maybe help for quicker recovery. To study the results of infrared rays for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. 70 patients with diagnosis of plantar fasciitis at Phramongkutklao Hospital were divided in 2 groups. First group received a conservative treatment by NSAIDS, achiles tendon stretching. The second group is like the first group, with addition of infrared rays. The pain was measured at initial and 6 months post treatment using visual analog scale (VAS). In control group, 34 from 39 feet had lower VAS at 6 months, from 8.41 to 5.28. In the studied group, 35 from 44 feet had lower VAS at 6 months, from 8.70 to 3.38. No patient had the worse symptoms since the using of infrared rays. Application of infrared rays for the treatment of plantar fasciitis is effective. Infrared rays are safe and easy to use.