Gastrocnemius stretching for plantar heel pain relief
Efficacy of Gastrocnemius Stretching on Plantar Heel Pain, Foot Mobility and Function in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial
NA · Ahram Canadian University · NCT05920551
This study is testing if stretching exercises for the calf muscle can help people with plantar fasciitis feel less heel pain and move their feet better compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ahram Canadian University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT05920551 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of gastrocnemius stretching exercises on reducing plantar heel pain and improving foot mobility and function in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group performing these stretches or a control group receiving standard care, which includes ultrasound therapy and fascia strengthening exercises. The study will assess outcomes such as pain intensity, foot mobility, and functional ability before and after a 4-week intervention period. The hypothesis is that those performing the stretching exercises will show greater improvements compared to the control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing localized plantar heel pain that worsens with initial steps after rest and have not responded to conservative treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of steroid injections, previous foot surgeries, or rheumatic diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option that significantly alleviates pain and improves mobility for patients with plantar fasciitis.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with stretching interventions for plantar fasciitis, suggesting that this approach is supported by existing evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Pain reproduced with palpation of the plantar fascia 2. localized and sharp but not radiating 3. worse in the initial step after and an extended period of rest 4. decreased initially after the first steps but exacerbated with increased activityat least 6 weeks 5. unresponsive conservative form of plantar fasciitis care (ie, rest, stretching, full-length silicone insole, prescription NSAIDs when taken for a period of 2 weeks) Exclusion Criteria: 1. history of previous steroid injections 2. previous surgery of the foot, lumbar spine disc herniation or back injury 3. patients with rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, gout disease, enthesopathy, Sjogren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus)
Where this trial is running
Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza
- Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University — Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza, Egypt (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed M ElMeligie, Ph.d
- Email: mohamed.elmeligie@acu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201064442032
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.
Conditions: Plantar Fascitis