Comparing shock wave therapy and laser therapy for heel pain
Comparison of the Efficacy of Low Intensity ESWT and Low Intensity LASER Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis; Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether shock wave therapy or laser therapy can help people with chronic heel pain feel better compared to just doing home exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kirşehi̇r) |
| Trial ID | NCT06846931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and low-intensity laser therapy on patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis. A total of 90 participants aged 18 to 65 will be randomized into three groups: one receiving ESWT and home exercises, another receiving low-intensity laser therapy and home exercises, and a control group performing only home exercises. The study will measure pain levels, functionality, plantar fascia thickness, and balance at the start, end of treatment, and 12 weeks later. The goal is to determine which treatment is more effective in alleviating symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with plantar fasciitis for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of recent heel injections, bilateral complaints, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with effective non-invasive treatment options for chronic heel pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar therapies for plantar fasciitis, but this specific comparison is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients between 18 and 65 years of age, diagnosed with "plantar fasciitis" by anamnesis and physical examination * Complaint duration of at least 3 months * Patients who agree to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Complaint lasting less than 3 months * Injection in the heel area in the last 6 months * Use of physiotherapy modalities for the heel in the last 6 months * Bilateral complaint * Pregnancy * Malignancy * Epilepsy * History of cardiac pacemaker * Anticoagulant use * History of systemic inflammatory disease * History of lower extremity fracture or surgery * Existing open wound in the heel area * Patient hypersensitivity * Systemic infection in the patient * Uncontrolled hypertension in the patient * Patient inability to cooperate * History of neuromuscular disease affecting balance parameters * Unwillingness of the patient to participate in the study
Where this trial is running
Kirşehi̇r
- Kırşehir Ahi Evran University — Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Esat POLAT, MD
- Email: esattpolatt@gmail.com
- Phone: +905308172312
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.