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painmoderate evidence

Plantar Fasciitis

Published: Last updated:

Source: Clinical Research

Protocol for plantar fasciitis targeting the calcaneal insertion, mid-plantar fascia, and surrounding tissue. NIR wavelengths penetrate through the thick plantar skin to reach the inflamed fascia.

Protocol Parameters

ConditionPlantar Fasciitis
Wavelengths810nm, 830nm, 850nm
Dosage4-8 J per point, 3-4 points
Irradiance50-100 mW/cm²
Duration30-60 seconds per point
Frequency3x per week for 4-8 weeks
Body Zonefeet
Evidence LevelModerate

Mechanism of Action

PBM reduces inflammation at the fascial insertion on the calcaneus, promotes organized collagen repair in the degenerative fascia, and modulates pain signaling. The anti-inflammatory effect addresses the chronic inflammatory-degenerative process underlying plantar fasciitis.

Key Studies

  • Jastifer et al. (2014) - PBM for plantar fasciitis
  • Kiritsi et al. (2010) - US-guided laser for plantar fasciitis

Treatment Tips

  • *Target the calcaneal insertion point primarily
  • *Treat along the medial band of the plantar fascia
  • *Combine with stretching, orthotics, and night splints
  • *NIR wavelengths preferred due to thick plantar tissue

Contraindications

  • !Plantar fascia rupture
  • !Active foot infection

Related Body Zone

Feet & Ankles Zone Guide

The feet and ankles are treated for plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic foot ulcers. The thick ...

Research Basis

This content is informed by 47+ published peer-reviewed studies on photobiomodulation.