Pulsed radiofrequency vs. 5% dextrose injection 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 prospective, two-center randomized trial compares two ultrasound-guided injections for chronic plantar fasciitis: pulsed radiofrequency and 5% dextrose injection using the peppering technique. Participants are randomly assigned in equal numbers to each arm and all receive a home plantar fascia stretching program. Outcomes are measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 weeks, focusing on pain intensity as the primary endpoint and including function and quality of life as secondary endpoints. Blinding of patients and outcome assessors is attempted, while treatment providers cannot be blinded due to the nature of the interventions. The study aims to determine which approach more effectively reduces pain and improves function in adults with chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis based on medical history and physical examination
* Heel pain resistant to conservative treatment for at least 12 weeks
* Age between 18 and 70 years
* Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital or acquired disease that may impair or prevent foot function, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemiplegia, congenital foot deformity, traumatic foot or leg amputation, or fracture sequelae
* Local infection or skin disease at the treatment site
* Bleeding disorder or use of anticoagulant medication within the last week
* Disease causing mental dysfunction, such as uncontrolled Parkinson disease or Alzheimer disease
* Previous surgery for plantar fasciitis
* Refusal to participate in the study or inability to provide informed consent
* Failure to attend follow-up visits after treatment
* Request to withdraw from the study
* Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
* Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
* History of epilepsy
* Active or previous malignancy
* Rheumatologic disease

Where it's running

• Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Esra Ülgen Kıratlıoğlu, MD
• Email: esraulgen@gmail.com
• Phone: +905079614194

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.