Comparing laser therapy versus conventional treatment in the management of chronic plantar heel pain

Abstract

Background Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting the foot with up to 15% of the entire population requesting professional care. As a result of its unclear aetiology, a number of different treatment options are available for the management of CPHP. However, despite the number of treatment options available for the management of CPHP, no treatment is yet proven to be superior over others leaving uncertainty amongst clinicians on which treatment to prescribe. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of laser therapy versus conventional treatment (stretching exercises and silicone heel cups) for the short-term management of CPHP. Research Design and Method A quantitative experimental research study was carried out, where 18 participants with 26 symptomatic limbs presenting with CPHP were recruited from Primary Health Care clinics within the Podiatry Department. Each participant received one of two treatments; laser therapy or conventional treatment (silicone heel cups and stretching exercises) for the short-term management of CPHP. Progress was monitored using two pain scales; VAS pain scale and the Foot Function Index where participants were asked to rate pain at the beginning of the study (Time 0) and after 3 weeks (Time 1). Results Both treatment options resulted in a significant reduction in pain scores (p<0.05) thus concluding that both treatment options are effective. However, when comparing both treatment options, a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean pain score was found making laser therapy a more effective treatment option for the short-term management of CPHP. Conclusion This study concluded that laser therapy, when compared to conventional treatment, is a better short-term treatment option for the management of chronic plantar heel pain. It is of empirical importance to arrive at a consensus for an optimal treatment option for the management of chronic plantar heel pain for both short-term as well as long-term thus providing the patients with the best care possible.