3Shortwave Diathermy Enhances Ankle Dorsiflexion More Than Stretching Alone
Journal of Athletic Training (2002) · S. E. Peres, D. O. Draper, K. L. Knight, M. D. Ricard
This study investigated the effects of pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) combined with stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Forty-four college students were divided into four groups: control, stretching alone, diathermy plus stretching, and diathermy plus stretching followed by ice. Over 14 sessions spanning three weeks, participants receiving diathermy and stretching demonstrated significantly greater ROM improvements compared to those stretching alone. The benefits persisted even six days after treatment concluded, indicating that PSWD enhances the long-term effects of stretching on flexibility.
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51Optimal Cold Application Duration for Soft Tissue Injury Recovery
Journal of Emergency Nursing (2020) · Senan Mutlu, Emel Yilmaz
This randomized controlled trial evaluated how different durations of cold application (10, 20, and 30 minutes) affected pain, swelling, joint mobility, and patient satisfaction in 105 patients with soft tissue ankle injuries. The 20-minute cold application group showed the greatest pain reduction and highest improvement in joint mobility and satisfaction scores. The 30-minute group experienced significantly more discomfort symptoms (tingling, redness, itching, numbness, and burning). The study concludes that 20 minutes is the optimal duration for cryotherapy to control pain, improve function, and maximize patient comfort.
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34Risk Factors Affecting Chronic Rupture of the Plantar Fascia
Foot & Ankle International (2014) · Ho Seong Lee, Young Rak Choi, Sang Woo Kim, Jin Yong Lee, Jeong Ho Seo, Jae Jung Jeong
This retrospective comparative study analyzed 286 patients with plantar fasciitis to identify risk factors associated with chronic rupture of the plantar fascia. Among the 35 patients who experienced a rupture, 33 had received corticosteroid injections, indicating a strong association between steroid use and rupture risk. The study concluded that corticosteroid injections should be administered cautiously due to the significantly higher risk of plantar fascia rupture.
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42Weak Evidence for the Safety and Effectiveness of Endoscopic Plantar Fascia Release
Foot and Ankle Surgery (2020) · Michael-Alexander Malahias, Erwin Brian Cantiller, Vikram V. Kadu, Sebastian Muller
This review evaluated 15 studies on endoscopic plantar fascia release (EPFR), totaling 535 patients and 576 feet. Most studies were low-quality case series, with only two randomized controlled trials. Though subjective scores improved postoperatively, the review concluded there is weak evidence supporting EPFR as safe or effective. The overall complication rate was 11.0%, with persistent heel pain (5.6%), paresthesias or numbness (4.3%), soft tissue healing issues (1.7%), and superficial infection (0.4%) being the most common.
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