Percutaneous electrolysis plus exercises for chronic plantar fasciitis targeting the muscle–fascia chain

Effectiveness of Percutaneous Electrolysis Treatment Targeting the Muscle-Fascia Chain in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Study

This trial will test whether adding percutaneous electrolysis to calf muscle trigger points, along with a home exercise program, reduces pain and improves function in adults (18–70) with chronic plantar fasciitis more than electrolysis applied only to the plantar fascia.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Sivas State Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Sivas, Merkez)
• Trial ID: NCT07294196 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with clinically and ultrasound-confirmed plantar fasciitis (plantar fascia thickness >4 mm) are randomized to two groups that both follow a conventional home exercise program. One group receives percutaneous electrolysis to the plantar fascia only, while the other group receives electrolysis to both the plantar fascia and gastrosoleus myofascial trigger points. Treatments are performed under ultrasound guidance using 0.3-mm acupuncture needles on days 1, 8, and 14. The study compares the two approaches for treatment effectiveness in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–70 with at least six weeks of heel pain, ultrasound-confirmed plantar fascia thickening (>4 mm), no prior treatment for the condition, normal lab results, and willingness to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs during the study.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic inflammatory disease, active infection, malignancy, prior treatments for plantar fasciitis, symptoms under six weeks, or those unable to attend the in-person procedures or avoid NSAIDs are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, targeting both the plantar fascia and calf muscle trigger points could provide greater pain relief and improved walking function than treating the fascia alone.

How similar studies have performed: Small trials and case series of percutaneous electrolysis and related needling techniques for tendinopathies and plantar fasciitis have reported promising pain reductions, but high-quality randomized evidence remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients who agree to participate in the study, are between 18 and 70 years of age, have had symptoms for at least 6 weeks, and have a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis confirmed clinically (sharp pain on the plantar surface of the foot upon standing after rest, heel pain that is most severe with the first steps in the morning and decreases with mild activity) and by ultrasonography (plantar fascia thickness recorded as \>4 mm on ultrasound), who have not previously received any medical treatment for the condition, who agree not to use anti-inflammatory drugs during the treatment period, who have normal blood laboratory findings, who have no known acute or chronic inflammatory disease, who have a level of education sufficient to understand the treatment and procedures applied, and who are able to complete the treatment evaluation forms will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with malignancy, active infection, a history of systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease, trauma, skin lesions, infection or open wounds on the foot, neuropathy, radiculopathy, peripheral circulatory disorders, coagulopathy, warfarin use, arthropathy, congenital or acquired lower extremity deformity, sequelae of lower extremity fracture, the presence of a prosthesis, internal plate or screw fixation, a cardiac pacemaker, a metal implant in the treatment area, conditions that contraindicate physiotherapy such as pregnancy, or metal allergy will not be included in the study.

Where this trial is running

Sivas, Merkez

• Sivas Devlet Hastanesi — Sivas, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)

Conditions Plantar Fasciitis