149 patients (168 heels) with chronic plantar fasciitis were randomized to receive extracorporeal shockwave treatment or conservative treatment consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, orthotics, physical therapy, an exercise program and/or a local cortisone injection. Over 5 to 6 years, patients in the shockwave group had significantly greater improvements in pain and function than the conservative treatment group. The patients who received shockwave therapy were also significantly less likely to experience a recurrence of symptoms compared to the conservative treatment group. The results therefore indicate that shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, resulting in successful long-term treatment.