Plantar Fasciopathy and the Effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Physical Training or Usual Care

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT), sham- rESWT or standardised exercise program is more effective on change in heel pain than usual care in the treatment of plantar fasciopathy. The null hypothesis is: There is no difference between rESWT, sham- rESWT or standardised exercise program on change in heel pain (primary outcome) and functioning (secondary outcomes) compared to usual care in the treatment of plantar fasciopathy at 6 months follow-up (and secondary outcomes at the 12 months follow-up). Alternative hypothesis is: H1: There is a difference between rESWT and usual care on change in heel pain (and secondary outcomes) at the 6 months follow-up (and secondary outcomes at the 12 months follow-up). H2: There is a difference between sham-rESWT and usual care on change in heel pain (and secondary outcomes ) at 6 months follow-up (and secondary outcomes at the 12 months follow-up). H3: There is a difference between standardized exercise program and usual care on change in heel pain (and secondary outcomes) at 6 months follow- up (and secondary outcomes at the 12 months follow-up).