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Ice Packs Versus Cold Baths Combined With Standard Exercise Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Sponsor: Ibadat International University, Islamabad
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of ice pack therapy and cold bath immersion when combined with standard exercise therapy in adults with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ice pack therapy or cold bath therapy in addition to the same standardized exercise program. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome will be foot function measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI). The findings of this study may help identify the more effective cryotherapy method for reducing pain and improving function in individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Official title: Comparative Efficacy of Ice Packs Versus Cold Baths With Standard Exercise Therapy in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-02-17
Completion Date
2026-07-07
Last Updated
2026-07-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Ice Pack Therapy
Ice pack therapy will be administered by applying crushed ice or a commercial gel ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the plantar aspect of the heel and medial longitudinal arch of the affected foot. The intervention will be applied for 10 minutes per session, five sessions per week for two weeks. Skin integrity will be assessed before and after treatment to minimize the risk of cold-related injury.
Cold Water Immersion
Cold water immersion will be administered by immersing the affected foot up to the malleoli in water maintained at 10-15°C for 10 minutes per session, five sessions per week for two weeks. Water temperature will be monitored before each treatment session, and participants will be observed for discomfort or excessive numbness throughout the intervention.
Standard Exercise Therapy
All participants will receive the same standardized exercise therapy program consisting of plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching, eccentric heel raises, and balance training. Supervised sessions will be conducted five times per week for two weeks, with participants instructed to continue home exercises on non-supervised days. The exercise program is identical for both intervention groups.
Locations (1)
Shahab Orthopedic and General Hospital
Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan