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VIDEO: Latt speaks to intense therapeutic ultrasounds for treatment of plantar fasciitis
TORONTO — At the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting, Daniel L. Latt, MD, PhD, discussed a study which looked at intense therapeutic ultrasound (Actisound, Guided Therapy Systems) for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. He said compared with standard therapy alone, intense therapeutic ultrasound combined with standard therapy leads to a more rapid reduction in pain and resolution of function.
Perspective
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Plantar fasciopathy is common, painful and difficult to manage. Many treatment regimens have been implemented, but none has been shown to have a high rate of success. It is not enough to tell patients that in the vast majority of cases their symptoms will subside within 1 year. The study by Dr. Latt and colleagues brings some hope: high intensity ultrasound seems to be effective, and the patients do not need to have failed other therapies for it to be effective. The authors acknowledge this is a preliminary study, though it is extremely well conducted. We shall have to see whether the introduction of the modality in the wide world will stand the test of everyday use.