This study is a randomized controlled trial and the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of dry needling with conventional physical therapy versus conventional physical therapy on gait parameters in plantar fasciitis: a randomized control trial.
Age 40-60 years
Both genders
Plantar heel pain for longer than 3 months
Pain score at least or less than 8 on the numeric pain (NPRS)
Positive ankle drawer tests
Pregnant womwn, mental illness, immune suppressed patients, thrombocytopenia, anti-coagulant therapy patients and post-mastectomy
Congenital abnormalities of foot
A history of surgery to the ankle, foot or lower leg
Parallel
Standard treatment
Procedure/SurgeryAll participants received up to six treatment sessions at a frequency of twice per week over a 3-week period i.e. ultrasound (0.5 W/cm² of 3 MHz for 5 minutes over plantar aspect of foot), stretching exercises and strengthening exercises. The exercise pro
Sham Dry needling
Procedure/SurgeryThe sham dry needling group will also receive 6 sessions of sham dry needling on soleus, quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor halluces muscles for 5 minutes.Sterilized disposable stainless steel acupuncture needles of 0.25mm x 30mm will be used with depth of 20-55mm.The plantar and medial surface of the foot and ankle will be cleaned with alcohol. The sham dry needling will be performed for 5 minutes.
Dry needling
Procedure/SurgeryThe dry needling group will receive 6 sessions of dry needling using a standardized trigger point protocol on soleus, quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor halluces muscles for 5 minutes. Sterilized disposable stainless steel acupuncture needles of 0.25mm x 30mm will be used with depth of 20-55mm. The calf, plantar and medial surface of the foot and ankle will be cleaned with alcohol. Following insertion, needles will be manipulated bi-directionally to elicit a sensation of aching, tingling, deep pressure, heaviness or warmth. The needles will then left in situ for 5 minutes.
Pain intensity
Pain will be measured on Numerical Pain rating scale. The 11-point numeric scale ranges from '0' representing one pain extreme (e.g. "no pain") to '10' representing the other pain extreme (e.g. "pain as bad as you can imagine" or "worst pain imaginable").
The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)
It is a self-report outcome instrument developed to assess physical function for individuals with foot and ankle related impairments .The response to each item on the ADL subscale is scored from 4 to 0, with 4 being 'no difficulty' and 0 being 'unable to do'
Gait speed:
Gait speed = Distance (m) / time (s)
Cadence
Cadence (steps/min) = steps counted x 60 / time (s)
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