Comparison between Long wave therapy and Ultrasound therapy in plantar Fasciitis among adults

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, striking a significant percentage of the population who are physically active or whose jobs demand standing for extended periods(1). It is an inflammatory and microscopic tearing of the plantar fascia thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone out to the toes. This condition is frequently precipitated by the stabbing pain felt from the first steps of the day or after extended periods of inactivity.

Longwave therapy, or longwave diathermy, is an electrotherapy modality that has the form of electromagnetic waves between 1–30 MHz. The treatment penetrates the body quite deeply and produces heat, promoting physiological change at a cellular level. The principle for the action of longwave therapy is the induction of electromagnetic fields causing ionic movement in the tissues, that means greater tissue temperature, increased blood flow, and increased cellular metabolism. This induces the thermal response of the body and relaxes spasms in the muscles with pain relief due to the healing of soft tissues(8,9).Longwave therapy, being a deep-penetrating modality, helps in conditions where greater penetration is needed to treat the inflammation and pain caused by the plantar fascia, such as in plantar fasciitis.

Ultrasound therapy is one of the most ancient physiotherapeutic interventions that have been established, wherein high-frequency sound waves with frequencies ranging from 1–3 MHz are administered to treat soft tissue injuries. It brings about thermal and non-thermal effects by raising tissue temperature as ultrasound energy is absorbed by tissues. Rise in tissue temperature by heat promotes vasodilation, better flow of blood, and decreases muscle stiffness; thus, pain may be significantly relieved and the elasticity of the plantar fascia may improve.

This comparative study will be helpful in understanding the best therapeutic approach for this debilitating condition and hence aid clinicians in making evidence-based decisions in management.