Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Plantar Fasciitis in Patients With Peripheral Neuropathy

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or older and 90 or younger. * Ability to give informed consent. * Presence of peripheral neuropathy, confirmed by clinical symptoms, nerve * conduction study, autonomic function test, quantitative sensory test, or skin biopsy. * Plantar fasciitis presenting as (1) heel pain persisting for more than 3 months, most noticeable with initial steps after a period of inactivity, but also worse following prolonged weight-bearing, and (2) pain with palpation of the proximal insertion of the plantar fascia. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of severe systemic diseases, including severe ischemic heart disease or congestive heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction \< 30%), severe lung diseases with dyspnea, severe generalized edema, uncontrolled diabetes, and systemic infection. * Presence of severe peripheral vascular disease. * Presence of an implanted cardiac pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, or metallic implants (for example, internal fixation plates, screws, etc.) within the affected foot or ankle. * Presence of ruptured or pre-ruptured tendons in the target area. A diagnostic softtissue ultrasound of the plantar foot will be performed to assess tissue integrity if any of the following clinical red flags are identified: localized soft-tissue swelling or ecchymosis; physical examination findings indicative of a loss of continuity or tension in the plantar fascia; a history of local corticosteroid injection within the past 12 months; or a history …