Ultrasonic plantar fasciitis therapy: apparatus and method

摘要

Non-invasive therapeutic treatment of plantar fasciitis in vivo using ultrasound is performed by subjecting a foot locale to an ultrasound signal supplied to an ultrasound transducer placed on the skin, and involving a repetitive finite duration signal consisting of plural frequencies that are in the ultrasonic range to 10 MHz. The ultrasound transducer is reproducibly positioned using an ultrasound fixture. The ultrasound signal is applied daily at least twice per day for 40 minutes per treatment, and has a power intensity (SATA) of 18 mW/cm2. In an alternative embodiment, an orthotic device holds the foot in dorsiflexion concomitant with ultrasound treatment.