Clinical Research Directory

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy With or Without Kinesiotaping for Plantar Fasciitis

This study aims to evaluate and compare the short- and mid-term effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) alone versus a combination of ESWT and Kinesio Taping (KT) on pain, foot functionality, and plantar fascia thickness in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 48 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis will be included in this prospective, randomized controlled trial and randomly allocated into two groups: the ESWT group and the ESWT + Kinesio Taping group. Primary outcome measures include pain severity assessed via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for morning and general pain, foot functionality evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI), and plantar fascia thickness measured via ultrasonography. Evaluations will be conducted at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at the 3-month follow-up.

Comparison of Transverse Friction Massage and Instrument- Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by plantar heel pain, particularly during the first steps after waking or following prolonged rest. It can substantially affect walking, standing, daily activities, and overall functional ability. Although conservative physiotherapy management is commonly used, the relative effectiveness of different manual therapy techniques remains unclear. The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of Transverse Friction Massage (TFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study will be conducted as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy, Islamabad. A total of 34 participants will be recruited using purposive sampling and subsequently randomized into two groups through a sealed opaque envelope method. Participants will be adults aged 19-44 years with clinically diagnosed plantar fasciitis and symptoms. persisting for more than three months. Group A will receive Transverse Friction Massage, while Group B will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization. Both groups will additionally receive a standardized physiotherapy protocol consisting of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, ultrasound therapy, home-based exercises, and activity modification. The interventions will be administered twice weekly for four weeks, resulting in a total of eight treatment sessions. The primary clinical outcomes will include pain intensity, foot-related functional impairment, and ankle range of motion. Pain will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), foot function using the Foot Function Index (FFI), and ankle range of motion using a goniometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after two weeks, and at the end of four weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS. Appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests will be applied according to data distribution, with statistical significance set at p\<0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. The study is expected to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of TFM and IASTM for reducing pain, improving foot function, and enhancing ankle mobility in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Baxter's Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection or Both Together as a Treatment Modality of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing chronic heel pain due to degenerative changes in the tissue supporting the arch of the foot. While most patients improve with conservative care such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and orthotics, approximately 10% to 20% experience chronic pain that fails to respond to standard measures. In up to 20% of these persistent cases, irritation or entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter's nerve) also plays a key role in the pain. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of three ultrasound-guided interventional approaches for treating chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: 1. Baxter's nerve pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), a neuromodulation procedure designed to reduce nerve-related pain without destroying nerve fibers. 2. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, an autologous blood-derived preparation that delivers natural growth factors to stimulate tissue healing and repair of the plantar fascia. 3. Combined PRF and PRP therapy, addressing both nerve irritation and structural tissue degeneration simultaneously. A total of 75 adult patients aged 18 to 65 years with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis persisting for over 6 months will be randomly assigned into three equal groups (25 patients per group). Participants and independent clinical assessors will be blinded to treatment allocation. Patients will be followed for 6 months to evaluate pain reduction, functional recovery, plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasound, and procedure safety.

Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping as Compared to Lower Extremity Stretching on Pain and Disability in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is described as a chronic degenerative process at the origin of the strong, fibrous band running at the bottom of feet connecting bones of heel to toes and supporting arch of feet known as plantar fascia and this irritation of fascia leads to medial plantar heel pain .This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of k-taping as compared to lower limb stretching techniques in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis

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.

A Double-Blinded Study on Rapid and Sustained Pain Relief Topical Cannabidiol for Plantar Fasciitis

This prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a 6000 mg transdermal CBD cream in adults with plantar fasciitis. Fifty participants will apply either CBD or placebo once daily for one month.

The Effect of Insoles in Plantar Fasciitis

This randomized active-comparator clinical trial compared changes over 12 weeks between customized computer numerical control (CNC)-milled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) insoles with plantar fasciitis. The primary outcome was bilateral gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis muscle activation recorded using surface electromyography during a standardized 10-meter walking task. Secondary outcomes included static plantar loading, pain, foot-related function, and user satisfaction. Because both groups received custom-made insoles as active interventions, the trial was designed to compare the two orthosis types rather than to determine the absolute efficacy of insoles.

Serum CTGF in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

This observational study aims to evaluate serum Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) levels in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis compared with asymptomatic controls. The study will also assess the associations between serum CTGF levels and clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of chronic plantar fasciitis.

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.

A Double-blind RCT to Investigate the Effect of a Novel Herbal Patch for the Treatment of PF

Disorders and injuries of tendons and ligaments are some of the most diagnosed musculoskeletal (MS) disorders clinically. Nearly half of the 33 million MS disorders reported in the United States each year are tendon and ligament injuries. Although most of such injuries are non-fatal, they are severely debilitating, resulting in significant reduction in patient's quality of life, loss of productivity, and considerable costs to the healthcare system. Among all tendon and ligament disorders and injuries, tendon and ligament overuse disorders are the most common and incapacitating ones. Tendinopathy is a painful tendon overuse disorder, which increases with population aging. It has been estimated that about 30% of consultations for MS complaints in a general practice were related to tendinopathy. The affected tendon is presented with local tenderness, swelling and pain, causing physical disability of the affected individual. The affected tendon degenerates and finally ruptures. Common sites of tendinopathy include supraspinatus, common wrist extensor, flexor tendon, patellar tendon, and Achilles tendon. The outcomes of both conservative treatments and surgeries are not satisfactory, with recurrent pain and tendon retear after surgery. Plantar fasciitis is a chronic painful, degenerative condition of the plantar fascia. It is caused by repetitive traumas at its origin on the calcaneus. Plantar fascia is a thick, ribbon-like fibrous ligament that connects the medial calcaneal tubercle to the heads of the metatarsal bones. It contributes to the support of the foot arch by acting as a tie-rod, where it undergoes tension when the foot bears weight. Therefore, although plantar fascia is anatomically defined as a ligament, it functions similar to a tendon. This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled study to test the efficacy of CDAM patch for the treatment of plantar fasciitis in patients.

Effects of Foot-Core Strengthening and Sensorimotor Re-training With Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Function, and Plantar Pressure in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

This study aims to compare the effects of foot core strengthening and sensorimotor re-training, each combined with routine physical therapy, on pain, functional ability, and plantar pressure in patients with Plantar Fasciitis. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving foot core strengthening with routine physical therapy and the other receiving sensorimotor re-training with routine physical therapy. The study will evaluate which intervention is more effective in reducing pain, improving function, and normalizing plantar pressure distribution.

Ice Packs Versus Cold Baths Combined With Standard Exercise Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

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.

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.

ESWT in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has become widely preferred in Turkey and worldwide in recent years for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases due to its non-invasive nature, ease of application, and low risk of complications, as it does not require surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the energy level used in ESWT applications, the frequency of application, and especially the ideal number of sessions. Different centers apply varying protocols in clinical practice, which can lead to heterogeneity in treatment outcomes. Scientifically determining the effect of variation in the number of ESWT sessions on clinical outcomes is important for establishing standard treatment protocols. Therefore, the aim of our study is to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the effect of variation in the number of ESWT sessions on clinical parameters such as pain, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, and to develop more effective and evidence-based treatment approaches in patient management.

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

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

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes for patients with neuropathy-associated plantar fasciitis.

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.

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.