Proprioception and Knee-Strengthening Added to Stretching for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

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

This interventional study investigates whether incorporating knee-strengthening or proprioception exercises into a standard plantar fascia stretching routine can improve pain, function, and disability in adults with chronic plantar fasciitis. It also aims to see if these added exercises change biomechanical and kinesiological properties of the foot, ankle, and knee. Participants are adults aged 18–65 with at least 3 months of heel pain and specific diagnostic criteria. The trial compares three approaches: stretching alone, stretching plus proprioception, and stretching plus knee strengthening. Outcomes likely include patient-reported pain and function, with biomechanical assessments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years.
* Formal diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, characterized by sharp pain during the first steps in the morning, pain that increases with prolonged activity, localized tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle or proximal fascia, and a positive Windlass test.
* Symptom duration of at least 3 months.
* Heel pain intensity score of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) \> 3.
* Voluntary agreement to participate, evidenced by signing the written informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of acute lower-extremity trauma.
* History of prior foot or ankle surgery.
* Corticosteroid injection to the affected heel within the preceding 6 months.
* Presence of systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic disease.
* Uncontrolled systemic disease (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).
* Current or past history of malignancy.
* Current pregnancy.
* Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m².
* Any musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, ocular, or vestibular disorder that could impair balance or limit the ability to stand unsupported.
* Neurocognitive or psychiatric conditions precluding adherence to the exercise protocols or outcome assessments.

Where it's running

• Karaman Training and Research Hospital
  Karaman, Karaman, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Aynur Basaran, MD, Prof. — Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University
• Study coordinator: Sule Kosar, MD
• Email: sulekosar@kmu.edu.tr
• Phone: +90 506 145 9656

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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.