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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain; in 35% of cases, it is also associated with bone edema of the heel. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bone edema and the outcomes of temperature-controlled high-energy adjustable multi-mode emission laser (THEAL) and/or exercises in patients with plantar fasciitis. A prospective randomized clinical trial was designed, in which 48 patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, with or without bone edema, were treated with temperature-controlled high-energy adjustable multi-mode emission laser and exercises (the laser group) or with exercises only (the control group). The patients were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and at 2 (T1) and 6 months (T2), monitoring pain (with the Visual Analogue Scale), functionality (with the Foot Function Index), perception of improvement (with the Roles and Maudsley Score), and fascia thickness (with ultrasound examination). In both groups, there was a significant improvement in pain, functional recovery, perception of remission, and a reduction in plantar fascia thickness at T1 and T2. The laser group presented statistically better values at T2 for the Roles and Maudsley Score (z: 2.21; 0.027). The regression analysis showed that a greater reduction in fascia thickness occurred in the laser group (p-value: 0.047). In conclusion, the two conservative treatments were effective in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, even in the presence of bone edema, but with lesser results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Shoulder stiffness (SS) is a condition characterised by active and passive restricted glenohumeral range of motion, which can occur spontaneously in an idiopathic manner or be associated with a known underlying aetiology. Several treatment options are available and currently no consensus has been obtained on which treatment algorithm represents the best choice for the patient. Herein we present the results of a national consensus on the treatment of primary SS. Methods: The project followed the modified Delphi consensus process, involving a steering, a rating and a peer‐review group. Sixteen questions were generated and subsequently answered by the steering group after a thorough literature search. A rating group composed by professionals specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pathologies rated the question–answer sets according to the scientific evidence and their clinical experience. Results: Recommendations were rated with an average of 8.4 points out of maximum 9 points. None of the 16 answers received a rating of less than 8 and all the answers were considered as appropriate. The majority of responses were assessed as Grade A, signifying a substantial availability of scientific evidence to guide treatment and support recommendations encompassing diagnostics, physiotherapy, electrophysical agents, oral and injective medical therapies, as well as surgical interventions for primary SS. Conclusions: A consensus regarding the conservative and surgical treatment of primary SS could be achieved at a national level. This consensus sets basis for evidence‐based clinical practice in the management of primary SS and can serve as a model for similar initiatives and adaptable guidelines in other European countries and potentially on a global scale. Level of Evidence: Level I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]