Heel pain is one of the most common problems of the foot, accounting for up to 15% of foot-related symptoms presenting to physicians and 1% of all visits to orthopedic surgeons. The clinical manifestations can be disabling, and despite its high incidence, the specific cause
of plantar fasciitis is poorly understood although it may be associated with systemic disease, local changes to the plantar fascia tissue, or altered foot and ankle biomechanics. Numerous treatment options exist, including stretching, night splints, orthotics, casting, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Because there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of any single treatment, the treatment of plantar fasciitis can be frustrating. A recent study found that patients treated with low level laser therapy (cold laser) demonstrated a mean improvement in heel pain VAS from 67.8 out of 100 (100 is most possible pain level) at baseline to 6.9 out of 100 (zero is least possible pain level) at the 12-month follow-up period. The authors conclude that low-level laser therapy may be considered as an alternative treatment for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
About the Author: Dean Smith, DC, PhD
Dean Smith, DC, PhD, husband, and father of two children, is a highly respected health and wellness authority. He is a chiropractor at Essence of Wellness Chiropractic Center and a researcher and clinical professor at Miami University.
Dr. Smith incorporates lifestyle intervention (exercise, nutrition, other non-drug methods) with chiropractic adjustments and other manual methods to encourage optimal wellness. He has helped countless adults and children lead a life of wellness.
His research interests lie broadly in the area of human movement and coordination. He is most interested in how chiropractic, exercise and rehabilitation affect human performance.
His scientific articles have been published in such journals as Human Movement Science, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Chiropractic Research Journal, Chiropractic and Osteopathy and The Open Neurology Journal. His training includes a Master’s degree in exercise science, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a PhD in brain and cognitive science with a focus on motor control and coordination. The International Federation of Sports Chiropractic has awarded him with the International Chiropractic Sport Science Diploma (ICSSD).
