Effects of dry needling combined with physical therapy on plantar fasciitis
Additional Effects of Dry Needling With Conventional Physical Therapy Versus Conventional Physical Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis: a Randomized Control Trial
This study is testing if combining dry needling with regular physical therapy can help people aged 40-60 with chronic heel pain feel better and move more easily compared to just doing physical therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT06706531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effects of dry needling combined with conventional physical therapy against conventional physical therapy alone on gait parameters in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis. Participants aged 40-60 years with chronic heel pain will undergo assessments before and after the intervention, measuring pain levels, ankle range of motion, and functional abilities. The study will utilize various evaluation tools, including a numeric pain rating scale and a 30-meter walk test, to gather comprehensive data on treatment outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 40-60 years experiencing plantar heel pain for more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients with acute ankle injuries, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions such as mental illness or thrombocytopenia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, potentially improving their pain management and mobility.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of dry needling and physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is less commonly studied, similar approaches have shown promise in other musculoskeletal conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age 40-60 years * Both genders * Plantar heel pain for longer than 3 months * Pain score at least or less than 8 on the numeric pain (NPRS) * Clinical diagnosis of unilateral PF in accordance with the clinical practice guidelines from the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association APTA: * Plantar medial heel pain: most noticeable with initial steps after a period of inactivity but also worse following prolonged weight bearing * Heel pain precipitated by a recent increase in weight bearing activity * Pain with palpation of the proximal insertion of the plantar fascia * Positive windlass test * Negative tarsal tunnel tests * Limited active and passive talocrural joint dorsiflexion range of motion * Abnormal foot posture index score * High body mass index in nonathletic individuals Exclusion criteria: * Positive ankle drawer tests * Pregnant womwn, mental illness, immune suppressed patients, thrombocytopenia, anti-coagulant therapy patients and post-mastectomy * Congenital abnormalities of foot * A history of surgery to the ankle, foot or lower leg * Other causes of heel pain (including tarsal tunnel syndrome, calcaneal fracture, ankle or foot instability, arthritis of the foot or ankle, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, gout,peripheral neuropathy ) * Presented with 2 or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression
Where this trial is running
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Areeba Michelle, MS-MSKPT*
- Email: aribaa.michelle@gmail.com
- Phone: 0334-8546616
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.