Effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis with Obesity

Astri Kusuma Dewi; Tirza Z. Tamin; Dewi Firska

doi:10.15850/ijihs.v14n1.4771

Authors

Astri Kusuma Dewi Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
Tirza Z. Tamin Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
Dewi Firska Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15850/ijihs.v14n1.4771

Keywords:

Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, Plantar Fascia Thickness, Plantar Fasciitis, Visual Analogue Scale

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel and occurs more frequently in individuals with obesity than in other population groups. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-surgical treatment method for PF; however, current evidence does not demonstrate superior effectiveness compared with conventional treatments.

Objective: To investigate how LLLT impacts patients suffering from plantar fasciitis and obesity.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 14 patients with plantar fasciitis and obesity divided into two groups receiving either LLLT with standard therapy or only standard therapy. Intervention was administered three times each week over a four-week period. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and ultrasonography measurements of plantar fascia thickness.

Results: The two groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores, reaching a threshold of p = 0.04. The treatment group showed a more statistically significant reduction in plantar fascia thickness than the control group (p = 0.01). The FAOS pain subscale showed a statistically significant improvement in the treatment (p = 0.005).

Conclusion: Patients with plantar fasciitis and obesity experience decreased pain intensity, plantar fascia thickness, and FAOS pain scores after receiving four weeks of LLLT treatment.