The role of extracorporeal shock wave on plantar fasciitis.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis has been under investigation since its advent in the early 1990s. Its use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; however, much controversy exists surrounding its mechanism of action, treatment protocols, and clinical efficacy. This article reviews some of the existing theories, opinions, and data in an attempt to summarize the current role that shock wave therapy plays in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.