Clinical Research Directory

Comparative Effects of Myofascial Release and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Moblization in Pregnant Women With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by heel pain and functional limitations, which may become more pronounced during pregnancy due to weight gain, hormonal changes, and altered biomechanics. Conservative physiotherapy interventions are commonly used to manage symptoms; however, evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of different manual therapy techniques in pregnant women remains limited. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of Myofascial Release (MFR) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on pain intensity and foot function in pregnant women diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. A total of 44 pregnant women aged 20-40 years in their second or third trimester will be recruited and randomly allocated into two treatment groups. Both groups will receive baseline treatment consisting of therapeutic ultrasound, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching exercises, tibialis anterior strengthening, and a home exercise program. In addition, Group A will receive Myofascial Release, while Group B will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. The intervention will be delivered over a period of four weeks, with three supervised sessions per week. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while foot-related pain, disability, and functional limitations will be measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and after completion of the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the most effective manual therapy approach for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in pregnant women suffering from plantar fasciitis.

High Intensity Laser VS High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound in Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

The purpose of the study is to 1. Investigate the Effect of High-intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound on pain level in patients with plantar fasciitis. 2. Investigate the Effect of High intensity laser therapy versus High power pain threshold ultrasound on ROM in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Effects of Neural Gliding Addes to ESWT and Standard Exercise in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and may lead to pain, decreased foot function, impaired balance, and reduced quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and exercise therapy are commonly used conservative treatment approaches. This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the additional effects of neural gliding exercises when combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy and standard exercise treatment in individuals with plantar fasciitis.

Relationship Between Central Sensitization and Clinical Features in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and is traditionally considered a mechanical musculoskeletal disorder. Recent evidence suggests that central sensitization may also contribute to pain in individuals with plantar fasciitis. This study aims to investigate the relationships between neurophysiological variables (pressure pain threshold, central sensitization, and pain intensity), psychological factors (pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression), ultrasonographic findings (plantar fascia thickness), and functional outcomes (foot function and quality of life) in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can lead to functional limitation and decreased quality of life. Various conservative treatment modalities are used in its management. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and whole body vibration therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study is designed as a randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using pain and functional assessment scales before and after treatment.

Comparing Bowen Therapy and Tennis Ball Technique for Pain and Disability in Plantar Fasciitis Patients, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can make everyday activities such as walking, standing for long periods, or climbing stairs difficult and uncomfortable. It usually occurs due to stress and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. People suffering from this condition often experience sharp pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. This study focuses on comparing two non-invasive treatment methods: Bowen Therapy and the Tennis Ball Technique. Bowen Therapy is a gentle manual therapy that uses soft rolling movements over muscles and connective tissues to reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote the body's natural healing process. On the other hand, the Tennis Ball Technique is a simple self-treatment method in which patients roll a tennis ball under the foot to massage the plantar fascia, relieve tightness, and reduce pain. The main purpose of this research is to determine which technique is more effective in decreasing pain and improving functional ability in patients with plantar fasciitis. By comparing these two methods, the study aims to provide a safe, affordable, and easy treatment option that can improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance the quality of life of individuals suffering from heel pain.

Barefoot Walking VS Standardised Conservative Care for Plantar Fasciopathy

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a barefoot walking programme can treat plantar fasciopathy (heel pain) in adults aged 18-70. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a barefoot walking programme reduce heel pain compared to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme? * Does a barefoot walking programme improve foot function and quality of life in adults with plantar fasciopathy? Researchers will compare a barefoot walking programme to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme to see if barefoot walking is an effective conservative management approach for plantar fasciopathy. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either a barefoot walking programme or a stretching and strengthening programme * Complete a 12-week home-based exercise programme * Complete short weekly questionnaires throughout the 12 weeks * Complete 3 follow-up surveys over 6 months after the intervention ends * Receive education on load management and plantar fasciopathy

Novel Stretching Device Versus Night Splints

A set of 100 patients previously diagnosed with plantar fasciitis will be given initial questionnaires about their symptoms and randomly assigned either night splints or the novel calf stretching device. The participants will use each device for 6 weeks. At the end of those 6 weeks, they will return for a follow up questionnaire. The answers in the questionnaire will be analyzed to compare the effectiveness of night splints to calf stretching.

A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study Comparing the Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (fESWT) in reducing pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study also examines the effects of HILT and fESWT on health-related outcomes, including VAS-FA, FFI, plantar fascia thickness, and adverse events. Researchers will compare HILT with fESWT as treatment options for patients with plantar fasciitis. Participants will receive either HILT or fESWT along with an exercise program. They will attend follow-up visits to assess outcomes at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the first treatment.

Effect of Additional Sural Nerve PRF in Chronic Heel Pain

This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment applied to the posterior tibial nerve alone versus PRF applied to both the posterior tibial and sural nerves in patients with chronic plantar heel pain. Outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment.

Lateral Plantar Artery Embolization For Plantar Fasciitis

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if lateral plantar artery embolization using Lipiodol can safely and effectively treat chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis in adults aged 25 to 80. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does this procedure successfully reduce chronic heel pain as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) over 12 months? How safe is the procedure, specifically regarding the frequency of serious medical problems or adverse events related to the device? Participants will: Undergo a minimally invasive procedure where a doctor uses a small tube (catheter) to inject a temporary blocking agent (LipioJoint) into specific blood vessels in the foot. Receive a phone call one day after the procedure to check for early side effects. Participate in four follow-up telehealth visits over the course of one year (at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months). Complete pain intensity surveys (VAS) and report any changes in their use of other therapies or medications during these visits.

Percutaneous Electrolysis Targeting the Muscle-Fascia Chain for Treating Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in Adults

The aim of this study is to compare, in terms of treatment effectiveness, a control group receiving a combination of a conventional exercise program and percutaneous electrolysis applied to the plantar fascia with an intervention group receiving a combination of a conventional exercise program plus percutaneous electrolysis applied both to the plantar fascia and to myofascial trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles. Patients participating in the study will be randomized into two groups. Both groups will receive a conventional home exercise program. In the intervention group, percutaneous electrolysis treatment will be applied to both the plantar fascia and the trigger points of the gastrosoleus muscles. In the control group, percutaneous electrolysis treatment will be applied only to the plantar fascia. The percutaneous electrolysis treatment protocol will be administered on the 1st, 8th and 14th days of treatment under ultrasound guidance, using 0.3-millimeter acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device (Ionclinics \& A. Deionic SL, Valencia, Spain) at an intensity of 350 µA for 80 seconds. The conventional home exercise program will include plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretching, ball or cylinder rolling, and towel-grasping exercises targeting the intrinsic foot muscles. Patients' subjective pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold using an algometer, functional level using the Foot Function Index (FFI), tissue parameters using ultrasound, and maximum standing and walking times without heel pain; all outcomes will be measured and recorded before treatment, after treatment, and three months after the start of treatment. The aim of the study is to compare, in terms of treatment effectiveness, the control group receiving a combination of a conventional exercise program and percutaneous electrolysis applied to the plantar fascia with the intervention group receiving a combination of a conventional exercise program plus percutaneous electrolysis applied to both the plantar fascia and the myofascial trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Versus Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the clinical and imaging effects of autologous bone marrow aspirate versus platelet-rich fibrin injections in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. The procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety. The study evaluates pain reduction, foot function, and ultrasonographic changes in the plantar fascia at follow-up intervals.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dextrose Prolotherapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a degeneration of the plantar aponeurosis and is the most common cause of heel pain (11-15%). Although seen in both sexes, plantar fasciitis is more common in women, usually unilateral and bilateral in 30% of cases . The most widely accepted view regarding the formation of plantar fasciitis is that it is a degenerative process caused by myxoid degeneration, microtears, collagen necrosis, and angiofibroblastic hyperplasia, resulting from repetitive microtrauma to the plantar fascia, particularly at the calcaneal insertion site. It is not inflammatory . The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of prolotherapy, a regenerative treatment, and ESWT in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Comparison of Treatment Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Myofascial Release Techniques in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Various treatment methods are employed for patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. However, many of these approaches involve high-cost interventions, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications. The present study aims to compare the treatment effectiveness of myofascial release-considered a cost-effective intervention-with ESWT, which is among the most commonly preferred treatment modalities.

Comparing Neural Mobilization and Traditional Physiotherapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of neural mobilization targeting the posterior tibial nerve compared to traditional physiotherapy in cases diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a pilot study will be conducted on 12 patients who will have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly divided into either the neural mobilization group or the conventional physiotherapy group, and all will receive three weeks of structured treatment. Results will be evaluated using techniques that will measure plantar pressure with Algometry, Foot Function Index (FFI) scores, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Differences before and after treatment will be tested within the group using paired t-tests, and others will be examined between the groups with independent t-tests.

Anthropometric Parameters of the Foot and Plantar Fasciitis

The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate anthropometric and lifestyle parameters in individuals diagnosed with PF and compare them with healthy individuals. This will reveal the structural and behavioural risk factors involved in the development of PF, providing a scientific basis for preventive measures and orthotic approaches. Assessment Parameters: Medical History Form 1. Demographic data: Age, height, weight, BMI 2. Foot anthropometric measurements 3. Footwear preference: Footwear Assessment Score ( Footwear Assessment Score ) 4. Lower extremity joint health: History of pain, injury, or limitation in the knee and hip joints 5. Daily step count: Measurement using the Step Counter mobile application 6. Physical activity level: IPAQ-SF (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form) questionnaire

The Effects of Terrain Variation on Intrinsic Foot Musculature in Healthy Individuals and Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis

Modern footwear has been implicated as a contributor to foot pathology and changes in the biomechanics of gait. In addition to footwear, the investigators propose that the lack of terrain variation may directly contribute to the development of common foot pathologies, resulting from decreased intrinsic foot muscle function. This study will examine the current understanding of terrain variation on foot musculature strength and its possible correlation with structural and functional changes within the foot.

Pain and Fascia Thickness After Steroid Injection in Plantar Fasciitis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of local corticosteroid injection on pain, foot function index, and plantar fascia thickness in patients clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, and to determine whether local corticosteroid injection is an appropriate treatment option for plantar fasciitis. For this purpose, the study plans to assess plantar fascia thickness using ultrasonography, evaluate pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and investigate the impact on daily living activities in patients who have been clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and treated with local corticosteroid injections.

Estimating the Prevalence of GAstrocnemius Muscle REtraction in a Population Suffering From Plantar aPOneurositis and Describing the Effects of Lengthening

The gastrocnemius muscles, which form the upper part of the calf, can suffer from retraction, a common but often under-diagnosed condition, which can be a risk factor for plantar fasciitis. Retraction can be treated medically, by stretching, or surgically, by lengthening the muscles. Gastrocnemius retraction is difficult to measure, but tests such as the Ankle Dorsiflexion Index (ADI) provide a more accurate assessment. Knowing the prevalence of this retraction in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis would enable us to improve diagnostic criteria and better target treatments. Surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius, particularly by tenotomy, is effective in cases of chronic plantar fasciitis, even without apparent muscle retraction.

Factors Affecting Response to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis: A Cross-sectional Clinical Study

Heel pain is a problem that affects daily life activities and quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment used for heel pain. However, some people do not benefit from ESWT treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect the response to ESWT in the treatment of heel pain.

HeEL Pain Pathways Feasibility Study

At the moment, no-one is sure what the best way to treat heel pain is. The purpose of this research is to try out some study methods to prepare for a future clinical trial, that will assess how helpful combining different treatments are for people with heel pain (plantar fasciitis). At this stage, the aim is only to test the study processes and ask for feedback - that is why this is called a feasibility study. No experimental techniques or devices will be tested. All of the treatments in the study are routinely carried out in NHS clinics, but participants will be allocated to different combinations of treatments. Each participant will be asked to complete questionnaires and a diary for around six months in total. Some people will also be invited to take part in an interview or focus group discussion.

Botulinum Toxin A Versus Steroids for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the classic and most common type of heel pain. Considering the costs for health care and the temporary disability not only for work, plantar fasciitis results in a substantial (and at least partially unnecessary) burden for the Swiss health care system and national economics. Nonoperative treatment is the mainstay of treating plantar fasciitis. However, so far no treatment has proven to be superior to others, and there is national and international lack of consensus of how to treat plantar fasciitis best. The investigators believe that the BTX-A injection in the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles is currently the most promising non-operative approach, because it is considered to treat the disease at its origin (temporary weakening of the tight triceps surae muscle) as opposed to simply alleviate the symptoms (e.g. plantar cortisone and other injections, ESWT). However, to date there is no evidence in the literature that compares the new, promising technique of BTX-A injection into the gastroc-soleus complex to a sham (saline) injection and to the gold standard steroid injection at the plantar fascia insertion site. With the intended study, this gap is going to be closed.

Electrolysis in Patients With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Aim of the Study The aim of this study is to investigate the differential effects of high-intensity and low-intensity percutaneous electrolysis (PCE) on pain perception and muscle tissue properties in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis. Research Questions Pain Perception: Does high-intensity PCE induce greater changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the plantar fascia compared to low-intensity PCE in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis? Muscle Tissue Properties: Does high-intensity PCE reduce stiffness in the plantar fascia to a greater extent than low-intensity PCE in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis?