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If you wake up every morning with a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel or arch, you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic foot pain, and it can be truly frustrating. You might feel arch pain with your first steps out of bed or after sitting for a while, only to find it eases up then flares again later. Many people with plantar fasciitis have “tried everything” – stretching their calves, rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot, wearing night splints or special insoles – yet the pain keeps coming back. We understand how discouraging this cycle can be.
In this article, we’ll explain what plantar fasciitis really is (and what it isn’t), why standard remedies often fall short, and what evidence-based treatments can offer hope. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and a path to relief.
(Disclaimer: Results may vary; always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.)
Plantar fasciitis (sometimes called plantar fasciopathy or fasciosis in physiotherapy literature) is a condition where the plantar fascia – a thick band of connective tissue along the bottom of your foot – becomes irritated and painful. Despite the suffix “-itis,” it’s now understood that plantar fasciitis is often not due to ongoing inflammation, but rather a degenerative process in the fascia over time. In other words, the tissue isn’t simply inflamed; it’s wearing down (hence terms like “fasciosis”). This degeneration can stem from repetitive stress or overuse, poor foot mechanics, or even systemic factors.
Symptoms: The hallmark is heel pain (especially the inner underside of the heel) that’s worst with initial steps after rest – for example, first thing in the morning or after a long car ride. The pain often eases as you warm up and move around, but it might return after prolonged standing or activity. Some patients also feel tightness or burning along the arch of the foot. The pain can become chronic, lasting months to years if not properly addressed.
How Common Is It? Plantar fasciitis is very common – studies estimate it accounts for over 1 million doctor visits per year in the US alone. It can affect adults of all ages and activity levels. Runners and people who stand for work are frequently affected, and carrying extra body weight can increase risk by adding stress to the feet. Both women and men get plantar fasciitis at roughly equal rates. The condition often seems to come on insidiously (slowly, without a single injury).
The reason plantar fasciitis can be so stubborn comes down to root causes. While the pain is felt in the foot, the source of the problem often isn’t in the foot at all. According to Unpain Clinic’s expert clinicians, the plantar fascia pain is usually a symptom of a biomechanical imbalance elsewhere in the body.
Here’s a simplified example: If your core and hip muscles (which normally absorb a lot of impact when you move) aren’t doing their job – due to sedentary lifestyle, old injuries, or even postural habits – the work shifts down the chain. Weak glutes force your hamstrings to compensate; overloaded hamstrings then pass stress to your calves; tight calves, in turn, tug excessively on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Over time, this chain of overuse leads to microtears and degeneration in the fascia. By the time your heel hurts, the underlying issue (like poor core stability or tight posterior chain muscles) has been brewing for months or years. This is why simply massaging the foot or taking anti-inflammatories often provides only temporary relief – the root dysfunction remains uncorrected.
Another often-misunderstood factor is heel spurs. These are bony growths sometimes seen on X-rays of the heel. Patients are frequently told a heel spur is causing their pain, but research shows that’s not usually the case. Approximately 50% of people with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur visible on X-ray, yet these spurs do not correlate well with symptoms – many people have heel spurs and no pain at all. In fact, heel spurs are thought to be an incidental finding; the true issue is the overloaded fascia and nearby tissues, not the bone spur itself. For this reason, surgery to remove a heel spur or cut the plantar fascia is rarely needed and is truly a last resort.
Given the complex causes of plantar fasciitis, it’s no surprise that quick fixes often don’t work in the long run. Many standard treatments focus only on the foot (symptom management) rather than the whole-body issue (root cause). Let’s look at common approaches and what evidence says:
Rest, Ice, and Anti-inflammatories: Doctors often recommend resting the foot, icing, and taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen). While these can ease pain temporarily, they don’t heal the degenerative tissue. Since true inflammation may not be the primary issue in chronic plantar fasciitis, anti-inflammatories alone might not solve the problem. Moreover, simply “waiting it out” can mean months of pain – indeed, even with conservative care, plantar fasciitis can take months to years to fully resolve in some case.
Cortisone Injections: A steroid injection can provide short-term relief for some patients, but this too is a band-aid. Steroids reduce inflammation and pain, but repeated shots can weaken the fascia tissue over time. There’s a known risk that multiple cortisone injections in the heel can lead to rupture of the plantar fascia. Thus, while an injection might be offered for severe pain, it’s not without drawbacks and doesn’t address why the fascia was overstressed to begin with.
Orthotics and Supportive Shoes: Using arch supports, orthotic insoles, or wearing more cushioned sneakers for plantar fasciitis can help by reducing strain on the arch. Indeed, off-the-shelf or custom orthotics and supportive footwear have been shown to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia and improve symptoms for many. These devices essentially prop up the foot’s arch, which can make walking less painful – and for some, they’re an important part of healing. However, orthotics are a double-edged sword if used long-term without other therapy. Experts at Unpain Clinic note that while insoles can offload the fascia, they also allow your intrinsic foot muscles to weaken further if you rely on them forever. This can create a dependency on the device. The best approach is often to use orthotics temporarily to aid relief, while concurrently addressing muscle imbalances so your foot can eventually support itself again.
Stretching and Exercise: Gentle stretching of the calf and plantar fascia (for example, doing wall calf stretches or pulling your toes back to stretch the arch) is a widely recommended self-care strategy. Strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg can also be beneficial. Research supports plantar fascia-specific stretching in particular – one review found that targeted stretches for the fascia can improve pain and function, especially in the first 2–3 months of practice. In contrast, generic calf stretches alone have less evidence of benefit.
So, a tailored exercise program can help if it’s addressing the right deficits. It’s important to note, however, that exercise will have limited effect if significant biomechanical problems (like those weak glutes or tight hips mentioned earlier) are not also corrected. This is why you may stretch diligently yet still hurt – the underlying muscle activation pattern hasn’t changed.
Massage, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic: Hands-on therapies (massage, acupuncture for plantar fasciitis, chiropractic adjustments, etc.) often provide short-term relief. For example, acupuncture and dry needling techniques have been associated with reduced heel pain in the short to medium term. Two systematic reviews concluded that acupuncture can lead to symptom improvement at 1–6 months compared to no treatment. There’s also some evidence that dry needling (targeting myofascial trigger points) can reduce pain at 1, 6, and even 12 months when combined with other care. This means acupuncture may help manage pain, which is great – however, the studies also noted significant heterogeneity (differences in methods) and generally call for better-quality evidence. The bottom line: acupuncture can be an effective complementary treatment for plantar fasciitis, and many patients find it helpful for pain relief.
Chiropractic care, which might include foot/ankle joint adjustments and soft tissue techniques, also has a role. Some reviews have found moderate evidence that manual therapies (like joint mobilization/manipulation to the foot/ankle) can improve plantar fasciitis pain in the short term when combined with exercise. At Unpain Clinic, our chiropractors often work alongside physiotherapists to ensure proper joint alignment and movement patterns, complementing the regenerative therapies. However, as with the other conservative measures, manual therapies alone may not provide lasting relief if the root cause (e.g. muscle imbalance, kinetic chain dysfunction) isn’t addressed. This explains why your pain might “always come back” after the massage or adjustment effects wear off.
“Plantar Fasciitis Procedures” and Surgery: In stubborn cases, some patients consider more invasive options. There are a few procedure-based treatments out there – for instance, some podiatrists use ultrasound-guided needle treatments or even platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing in the fascia. The evidence on these is still evolving and beyond the scope of this post, but they exist as alternatives. Traditional surgery for plantar fasciitis (plantar fascia release or heel spur removal) is rarely needed today. Surgery comes with risks and a long recovery, and since we know heel spurs are usually incidental, cutting them out isn’t often helpful. Experts strongly recommend exhausting all conservative treatments before considering surgery – it truly is the last resort if pain remains debilitating after everything else.
If the above has sounded a bit discouraging, take heart: there is a cutting-edge, evidence-backed treatment that targets the root cause of plantar fasciitis rather than just soothing symptoms. It’s called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), often just known as shockwave therapy. Unpain Clinic specializes in this modality, and research shows it can be a game-changer for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
Don’t let the name scare you – it’s not an electric shock. Shockwave is a type of sound energy. In fact, it’s the same technology used to painlessly break up kidney stones in the body. A special device generates high-energy sound waves that are delivered to the injured tissue (in this case, your heel and arch). These acoustic waves penetrate deep (up to ~12 cm into the tissue) and stimulate a biological response. Essentially, shockwaves create micro-trauma that re-boots the healing process: they break down scar tissue, increase local blood flow, and even trigger the release of growth factors and stem cells that help regenerate damaged tissue. It’s like jump-starting your body’s repair mechanisms that have stalled.
Multiple high-quality studies and meta-analyses have found that shockwave therapy is effective for chronic plantar fasciitis. In fact, one systematic review of many trials concluded that extracorporeal shockwave therapy can be considered an “optimal” conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis – essentially a gold standard among non-surgical options. Patients who underwent shockwave reported significant pain reduction compared to those who got placebo treatments.
Some research shows about 80–90% of chronic plantar fasciitis sufferers experience notable improvement with ESWT, and results can last for many months or even years in most cases. The appeal of shockwave is that it treats the cause (degenerative tissue and poor healing) by stimulating repair, rather than just masking pain.
Shockwave is non-invasive (no incisions, no injections), and sessions are relatively quick – typically about 15 minutes. It’s normal to need a series of sessions; studies and clinical practice suggest anywhere from 3 to 6 weekly treatments is typical for optimal results. The best part is, unlike resting or injections that simply quiet symptoms, shockwave actively works to fix the fascia. By the end of a shockwave course, the plantar fascia tissue often shows improved quality on imaging (less thickness, healthier fibers), and the patient reports much less pain on their first steps each morning.
Shockwave therapy does cause some discomfort during treatment – after all, those sound waves are stimulating a healing response. Most patients tolerate it well, describing it as a tolerable “deep ache” or “tapping” sensation on the heel. Any soreness usually fades quickly after the session.
There’s no downtime; you can walk out of the clinic and carry on with normal activities (though you might be advised to take it easy on intense exercise for a day or two). Shockwave has no significant long-term side effects. It’s even safe if you have metal implants or a pacemaker, unlike some electrical therapies. Overall, the benefit-to-risk ratio is excellent, which is why research and real-world use support ESWT so strongly for plantar fasciitis.
In summary, scientific evidence plus clinical experience agree: chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t improved with basic care may respond dramatically to shockwave therapy. It addresses the poor healing and tissue quality in the fascia, providing a lasting fix rather than a temporary patch. Next, we’ll discuss how Unpain Clinic combines shockwave with other advanced treatments to maximize your healing.
Placing your heel pain in the context of the whole body is key to lasting relief. Chronic plantar fasciitis often coexists with issues like lower back or hip problems. In fact, patients with heel pain are twice as likely to have low back pain as pain-free controls. At Unpain Clinic, we assess your entire kinetic chain – spine, hips, knees, ankles and feet – to find hidden dysfunctions. Treating these “upstream” causes (tight calves, weak glutes, spine restrictions, etc.) breaks the pain cycle so the plantar fascia can truly heal.
Shockwave is our cornerstone modality. We use medical-grade focused shockwave (EPAT/ESWT), the same high-energy acoustic waves proven in research. Clinical trials show that a course of shockwave therapy significantly reduces heel pain and improves function in plantar fasciitis. Typically, patients receive 4–6 sessions (once weekly). Many feel a big improvement after just 3–5 treatments – often returning to normal activity within weeks. Rather than just treating the heel, we first apply shockwaves to any tight muscles or adhesions we find (for example, calves, hamstrings or glutes). Releasing those areas offloads stress from the foot. Then we target the inflamed plantar fascia itself, stimulating robust repair. This non-invasive therapy has an excellent safety record and no downtime, and most patients gradually notice less pain (some even immediate relief) as the tissue regenerates.
EMTT is a cutting-edge complement to shockwave. It sends high-speed pulsed electromagnetic fields deep into the foot and calf, boosting cellular metabolism and blood flow. In practice, we often perform EMTT right after shockwave in the same visit. Shockwave breaks down chronic scar tissue and jump-starts healing, while EMTT amplifies the repair response between pulses. Patients report that this combo accelerates recovery: one source notes that about 80% of people with musculoskeletal pain become pain-free or significantly better when EMTT is added to therapy. EMTT also has a calming effect on irritated nerves, which helps if any neuropathic component (nerve sensitivity) is present. The treatment is painless and quick (15–20 minutes), with no side effects or downtime. By layering these energy-based therapies, we spark faster, more complete healing than either alone.
Long-standing heel pain can “wind up” the nervous system, making nerves over-sensitive (central sensitization). It can also lead to poor muscle activation – for example, underactive hips or glutes – which increases strain on the foot. To address this, we use neuromodulation methods to reset nerve and muscle function. This may include targeted dry needling or neuro-acupuncture (microsystem acupuncture with electrical stimulation) into dormant muscles like the glute medius, effectively “waking them up.” We also use advanced shockwave protocols (e.g. Flashwave®) that specifically target nerve endings and muscle spindles to normalize nerve signaling. These techniques retrain the brain–body connection so muscles fire correctly and pain signals calm down. In fact, experts note that dry needling and manual trigger-point therapy are key for treating chronic muscle-related pain. By integrating these approaches, we not only relieve pain in the short term, but also reduce the chance of recurrence by normalizing how your body moves.
Hands-on techniques are another pillar of our program. Licensed physiotherapists and chiropractors work on any stiff or tight structures in the legs and feet. For example, if your ankle lacks dorsiflexion (often from tight calves), gentle joint mobilizations can restore range of motion and remove extra strain on the fascia. We also use myofascial release, massage and instrument-assisted soft-tissue work to break up adhesions in the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. A recent trial found that isolated manual therapy (joint mobilization and soft-tissue work) achieved the greatest improvement in pain and function compared to orthotics or combined treatments. In practice, this means a session might include techniques to release calf trigger points or adjust foot alignment. These interventions are not cures by themselves, but they expedite relief and improve flexibility, making your rehab exercises more effective. We tailor manual care to your needs – whether that’s a gentle adjustment of a misaligned foot bone or a deep release of calf muscles – to help you move better instantly.
No modern treatment is complete without active rehab and lifestyle advice. We prescribe specific stretches and strengthening drills to fix the mechanical issues we found. Common examples include calf and plantar fascia stretches, arch-strengthening exercises, and hip/glute strength work (since weak hips can overload the foot). In fact, surveys show >90% of physiotherapists use exercise, stretching and strengthening to treat plantar fasciitis. These exercises ensure that once shockwave/EMTT reduce your pain, you rebuild a strong, resilient foot. We also advise on footwear: supportive shoes or temporary orthotic inserts can cushion the fascia during healing, while high heels or flat flip-flops are avoided. Education is key – you’ll learn which activities to modify (for example, reducing barefoot time on hard floors) and how to prevent future flare-ups. Together, this personalized plan of exercise and self-care helps maintain your recovery.
Together, these modalities deliver fast, lasting relief. Many patients who had “tried everything” elsewhere tell us that this whole-body strategy was the turning point.
A typical case illustrates our approach. John, a 38-year-old runner, suffered debilitating heel pain for 18 months. He had tried orthotic insoles, cortisone injections and months of standard physio with no lasting benefit. When John came to Unpain Clinic, our exam revealed not only an inflamed plantar fascia but also chronically tight calf muscles and underactive glutes. We treated his calves with manual release, reactivated his hips with targeted electrical needling, and applied focused shockwave plus EMTT to his foot. The result was dramatic: within 3–4 shockwave sessions (about 3 weeks), John reported most of his pain was gone and he could resume running. This outcome aligns with research showing shockwave therapy alone can significantly improve chronic plantar fasciitis in just a few sessions.
By tackling both his local injury and the root biomechanical issues, John broke the pain cycle far faster than with previous treatments.
Sources: Our protocols are based on current evidence and best practices for plantar fasciitis. For example, studies confirm the effectiveness of shockwave and manual therapies in chronic heel pain, and surveys show exercise/stretching are universally recommended. Each therapy choice is grounded in research to ensure you get the most effective care.
Plantar fasciitis pain is typically localized at the bottom of the heel (especially the inner side) and is worst with initial steps after rest. If your pain is sharp in the heel/arch area when you get up in the morning and tends to ease after walking a bit, that’s a classic sign of plantar fasciitis. Other conditions can cause heel pain too – for example, a pinched nerve (tarsal tunnel syndrome) causes burning or tingling, and a stress fracture in the heel bone causes pain even at rest. A proper exam (and sometimes imaging) can rule these out. If in doubt, see a healthcare professional. At Unpain Clinic, we often can confirm it’s plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and your history. We’ll also check for contributing factors like Achilles tendon tightness or calf muscle trigger points which often accompany plantar fasciitis.
Yes, a chiropractor who is experienced with foot biomechanics can be part of effective plantar fasciitis treatment. At Unpain Clinic, our chiropractors work on the joints and soft tissues of the foot and lower limb. They can perform adjustments or mobilizations to the ankle and foot if there are misalignments or stiffness. For example, if your ankle doesn’t dorsiflex (bend upward) enough, it increases strain on the plantar fascia; a chiropractor can help improve that movement. They also address pelvic or spinal alignment issues that may affect your gait. However, chiropractic is usually combined with other therapies (like shockwave or exercises) for best results – it’s one piece of the puzzle. Many patients find that chiropractic treatments provide short-term relief and improve their foot function, which then allows rehab exercises to be more effective.
Acupuncture can be a helpful complementary treatment for plantar fasciitis, especially for pain relief. Scientific reviews have found that acupuncture treatment was associated with reduced pain and improved function in plantar fasciitis compared to no treatment or standard care, at least in the short term. The needles may help by stimulating blood flow and releasing endorphins in the area, and some acupuncturists will target not just the foot but related points along the pain referral pathways. At Unpain Clinic, we practice dry needling, which is similar in that we insert fine needles into trigger points in the calf or foot to relieve tension. We find needling techniques, when combined with our other treatments, can accelerate pain reduction. While acupuncture alone might not cure plantar fasciitis (since it doesn’t necessarily fix structural issues), it certainly can reduce pain and promote healing. It’s a safe option to consider if you’re looking for extra relief – just ensure you see a licensed practitioner who has experience with foot conditions.
These terms are related and sometimes confusing. Plantar fasciitis is the general term for the condition causing heel/arch pain from the plantar fascia. Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone; they are not the cause of plantar fasciitis but can co-occur. As we discussed, heel spurs are often incidental and many people with spurs have no pain. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually doesn’t focus on the spur at all. Plantar fasciosis (or plantar fasciopathy) is essentially another name for plantar fasciitis, emphasizing the degenerative (non-inflammatory) nature of the condition. Some clinicians use “fasciosis” to indicate a more chronic stage where there is tissue degeneration. In practice, if you hear fasciosis, it means chronic plantar fasciitis – the approach to treatment is the same, though we might focus even more on regenerative therapies like shockwave to address the degeneration.
The recovery time can vary widely depending on how severe your case is and what treatments you pursue. Mild cases might improve in a few weeks with rest and stretching. However, chronic cases (pain lasting more than 6 months) can take longer – sometimes several months – to fully resolve with conventional treatments. The good news is that with advanced therapies like shockwave, we often see the timeline shorten significantly. Many patients at Unpain Clinic report substantial relief after 3–5 shockwave sessions over 3–6 weeks. After that, they continue with exercises and usually are back to normal activities within another month or two. Each person is different: tissue healing can be slower in folks with diabetes or poor circulation, for example. The key is to stick with the treatment plan and not get discouraged – even if progress feels slow, incremental healing is happening. We will give you a realistic estimate during your initial assessment. And remember, even once you’re pain-free, continuing your stretching and strengthening routine occasionally can prevent future flare-ups.
Not usually. In fact, completely resting for too long can lead to muscle weakening and stiffness. We encourage relative rest – meaning avoid the activities that clearly make your heel worse (like running or high-impact aerobics), but keep doing low-impact exercise. Walking is typically fine in moderation, especially if you wear good shoes. If something causes a spike in pain, ease off and let pain be your guide. During shockwave therapy treatment courses, we usually ask patients not to do intense sports on the same day as a treatment, to avoid stressing the tissue that we just stimulated. But otherwise, you can stay active. Swimming, cycling, yoga (modified to avoid deep calf stretching if it’s painful) are great ways to maintain fitness. Our therapists will tailor advice to your lifestyle – our goal is to keep you as active as possible because movement can help healing, as long as it’s the right kind of movement.
Living with plantar fasciitis can feel like being stuck in a loop of pain and frustration. But as we’ve explored, understanding the why behind your heel pain is the first step to breaking that cycle. Plantar fasciitis often isn’t just a foot problem – it’s a whole-body issue that demands a whole-body solution.
The good news is that today’s evidence-based treatments, like shockwave therapy, offer new hope for lasting relief where old methods may have failed. Studies have shown shockwave to be highly effective, even for chronic cases, and at Unpain Clinic we’ve seen first-hand how combining regenerative technologies with hands-on care can truly heal plantar fasciitis from the root cause.
If you’re in the Edmonton area and have been searching for “plantar fasciitis treatment near me” with little success, we invite you to experience our innovative approach. We understand the toll plantar fasciitis takes on your daily life – every step reminds you of the pain. Our team is here to not only treat your pain but also empower you with knowledge and a personalized plan to prevent it from coming back. Remember, you don’t have to “just live with it” or resort to endless pills or injections. There are effective options available that can help you get back to the activities you love, whether it’s running, hiking, or simply getting out of bed in the morning without wincing.
Let us help you tell your foot pain to take a hike. Relief is possible with the right care. We hope this article has given you hope and insight into plantar fasciitis and its solutions. When you’re ready, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert help. Your path to being pain-free starts with a thorough assessment – and perhaps a few sound waves of shockwave magic.
At Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?”
If you’ve been frustrated by the cycle of “try everything, feel nothing,” this assessment is for you. We take a whole-body approach so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
What’s Included
Important Details
Who You’ll See
What Happens Next
Why Choose Unpain Clinic
Outcome
You’ll walk out knowing:
Berisha, U. Understand and Fix Your Chronic Foot Pain. Unpain Clinic Podcast (Episode #3)(Insight on why plantar fasciitis pain often persists and the limitations of symptom-focused treatments.)
Unpain Clinic. The Latest Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Edmonton! (Unpain Clinic website)unpainclinic.comunpainclinic.com (Discussion of Unpain Clinic’s approach to plantar fasciitis and the importance of finding root causes beyond the foot.)
Heckman, D.S. et al. (2011). “Diagnosis and Treatment of Heel Pain.” American Family Physician, 84(8): 905-912aafp.orgaafp.org. (Epidemiology and conventional management of plantar fasciitis, noting that heel spurs are often incidental findings and outlining standard care.)
Szajkowski, S. et al. (2024). “Dose Escalation Can Enhance the Therapeutic Potential of Radial Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.” Medicina (Kaunas), 60(5): 766mdpi.commdpi.com. (Meta-analysis evidence suggesting shockwave therapy is highly effective and can be considered a gold-standard conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis.)
Rhim, H.C. et al. (2021). “A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews on the Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.” Life (Basel), 11(12):1287mdpi.commdpi.com. (Summarizes findings from multiple reviews; notes that acupuncture and dry needling are associated with short-term symptom relief, and that manual therapies plus exercise can help in the short term.)
NYDN Rehab (2023). Benefits and Use Cases of Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy (EMTT)nydnrehab.comnydnrehab.com. (Explains how EMTT uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate healing in musculoskeletal pain conditions, often used alongside shockwave for synergy.)
Goff, J.D. & Crawford, R. (2011). “Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.” American Family Physician, 84(6): 676-682aafp.orgaafp.org. (Clarifies that plantar fasciitis is a degenerative fasciosis rather than an inflammatory condition, and describes typical symptom patterns and risk factors.)
Chen, H. et al. (2018). “Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Meta-Analysis.” PM&R, 10(3): 301-310. (Findings from pooled RCTs supporting the efficacy of shockwave for chronic plantar fasciitis, showing significant pain improvement versus placebo – source cited for general knowledge).
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
