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Use of Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Michael Stratton, PT, DSc, ATC ^*, Thomas G. McPoil, PT, PhD, ATC , Mark W. Cornwall, PT, PhD, CPed  and Kyle Patrick, DO 

^* Continuum Wellness Clinic, Gilbert, AZ.
Department of Physical Therapy, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
Chandler Sports Medicine Clinic, Chandler, AZ.

Corresponding author: Thomas G. McPoil, PT, PhD, ATC, Department of Physical Therapy, Northern Arizona University, Box 15105, The Laboratory for Foot & Ankle Research, Flagstaff, AZ 86011. (E-mail: tom.mcpoil{at}nau.edu)

Abstract

Background: Recent research has discussed the use of low-frequency electrical stimulation to increase blood flow by eliciting muscular contraction in soft tissues. This randomized clinical trial examined the efficacy of low-frequency electrical stimulation combined with stretching exercises and foot orthoses in individuals diagnosed as having plantar fasciitis for less than 6 months.

Methods: Twenty-six participants aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed as having plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: a control group receiving only stretching and orthoses and a treatment group receiving low-frequency electrical stimulation in addition to stretching and orthoses. To assess treatment response, a visual analog scale was used to determine first-step morning pain, and changes in daily activity levels were monitored by using a validated outcome measure. All of the participants were assessed before starting treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, and 3 months after the conclusion of treatment.

Results: Participants in the control and experimental groups demonstrated pain reduction and improvements in functional activity levels after 4 weeks and 3 months.

Conclusions: Regardless of whether low-frequency electrical stimulation was used as an intervention, the use of plantar fascia–specific stretching and prefabricated foot orthoses provided short-term (3-month) pain relief and improvement in functional activity levels. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(6): 481–488, 2009)