Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: Which is More Effective? Prolotherapy/Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?

ESWT (Inceler Medical, Modus Focused ESWT, Turkey) was conducted by a single investigator in accordance with a standardised protocol. The patients were positioned prone on the examination table, with the affected limb placed in a supported position. The focused shockwave was applied in a circular motion along the insertion site of the plantar fascia and over the plantar fascia itself. The participants received 1,800 to 2,000 focused shock waves (0.15-0.25 mJ/mm² session with a frequency of 3-4 Hz). The frequency of the pulses was increased in a gradual manner, in accordance with the maximum tolerable degree of pain for each patient. A minimum dose of 1,000 mJ/mm² was administered. The ESWT was conducted in three sessions, with a two-week interval between each session.

The solution employed for dextrose prolotherapy comprised 1.5 ml of 30% dextrose and 1.5 ml of 0.9% isotonic sodium chloride solution, resulting in a total of 3 ml of 15% dextrose solution. . All procedures were conducted by the same investigator. A dextrose solution was infused into the centre and around the damaged area using a peppering technique. Following the procedure, patients were advised to remain in a supine position with their feet restrained for a period of 15 minutes.. Prolotherapy was repeated on three occasions, with each session occurring at a two-week interval