Laser monotherapy in plantar fasciitis

Authors

  • Catarina Matos Médica Interna de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Hospital de São José, Portugal
  • António Castro e Cunha Médico Interno de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação do Hospital de São Marcos, Braga, Portugal
  • Sara Lorga Assistente Hospitalar de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Hospital de São José, Portugal
  • Maria Leonor Cabral Assistente Hospitalar Graduado de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Hospital de São José, Portugal
  • Vitor Oliveira Assistente Hospitalar Graduado de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação do Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Hospital de São José, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25759/spmfr.92

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar Fasciitis (PF) represents the most common cause of plantar heel pain. An initial conservative trial is recommended.

Objectives: To characterize demographic and symptomatic factors, previous therapy, results with laser monotherapy.

Material and Methods: Observational retrospective study (12 months period). The treatment consisted of infrared laser (AsGa 904nm; energy density 20J/cm2; peak potency 200mW). Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was made (level of significance 0,05).

Results: Thirty-two patients with PF were followed-up, mean age 54,28 years (24-86; SD 13,95), 66% female, mean body mass index 30,18Kg/m2 (17,91-41,13; SD 5,19), 75% unilateral, mean time of symptoms onset 6,28 months (0,2-24; SD 6,82), 21 with previous pharmacotherapy and 12 with other PRM treatment modalities. Mean initial pain level (Numeric pain scale) was 7,31 (5-10; SD 1,38). Of the 26 patients treated (6 follow-up losses), 24 (92,3%) reported improvement. The average number of sessions was 28,5 (11-60; SD 14,01). The mean end pain level was 0,75 (0-5; SD 2,37), with an average pain level reduction of 89,7% (28,6%-100%; SD 0,16). The level of pain intensity at onset was superior in patients with higher body mass index (p=0,002). There were not found other statistical significant relations.

Conclusions: PF was characterized by a significant pain level (moderate to severe). Obesity was a risk factor for the initial pain intensity. Rate reduction in pain level intensity was very satisfactory. Infrared Low level laser therapy is a good therapeutic option, justifying the need for further evaluation through randomized controlled prospective studies.

Keywords: Laser Therapy; Fasciitis, Plantar; Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities. 

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How to Cite

1.
Matos C, Castro e Cunha A, Lorga S, Cabral ML, Oliveira V. Laser monotherapy in plantar fasciitis. SPMFR [Internet]. 2013 Oct. 14 [cited 2025 Jan. 19];23(1):38-42. Available from: https://spmfrjournal.org/index.php/spmfr/article/view/92

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2013): Ano 21

Section

Original Article

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