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Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory plantar fasciitis

 
Guidance issued
 
Number: IPG311

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory plantar fasciitis .

Guidance has also been issued on Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory Achilles tendinopathy and Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory tennis elbow. It replaces the previous guidance on Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory tendinopathies (plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow) (IPG139, November 2005).

Description

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the connective tissue that stretches between the heel and the middle of the foot. It is usually caused by overuse, injury or muscular abnormalities. In extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a machine is used to deliver sound waves to the painful area. It is not known exactly how it works, but it is thought that it might stimulate healing of the fascia.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Special
Topic area:
Injuries, accidents and wounds
Musculoskeletal
Specialty:
Trauma and orthopaedic surgery
Specialist advice has been sought from:

British Orthopaedic Foot Surgery Society

British Orthopaedic Association

British Society of Skeletal Radiologists

Royal College of Radiologists

Date notified to NICE:
05 December 2003
Guidance issue date:
26 August 2009

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Ben Doak
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: