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

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.