
Foot & Ankle
Systematic review of the use of physical agents for soft tissue injuries in the lower limb
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Jul;46(7):523-5423 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review to determine the efficacy and safety of physical agents for patients with plantar fasciitis (n=13 RCTs), ankle sprains (n=4 RCTs), Achilles tendinopathy (n=3 RCTs), and patellofemoral pain syndrome (n=3 RCTs). All included trials were reported to contain low risks of bias. Qualitative analysis indicated favorable outcomes for pain and function outcomes with the use of ultrasound and foot orthoses for persistent plantar fasciitis and shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy. The use of shockwave therapy for recent plantar fasciitis, low-Dye taping for persistent plantar fasciitis, low-level laser therapy for recent ankle sprains, and splints for Achilles tendinopathy did not provide clinical benefit. Results on the use of shockwave therapy for persistent plantar fasciitis, cryotherapy or assistive devices for recent ankle sprains, braces for Achilles tendinopathy, and taping or electric muscle stimulation treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome were inconclusive.
Unlock the full article
Get unlimited access to OrthoEvidence with a free trial
Start TrialCritical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics
Or continue reading this full article
Register Now

Subscribe to "The Pulse"
Evidence-Based Orthopaedics direct to your inbox.