Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

This prospective, two-center, randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency and 5% dextrose injection in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Eligible participants will be randomized into two parallel groups. One group will receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment, and the other group will receive ultrasound-guided 5% dextrose injection using the peppering technique. All participants will receive a home-based plantar fascia stretching exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes will include foot function, activity-related pain, ankle-hindfoot function, and health-related quality of life.

This study investigates whether focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (fESWT) helps people with chronic heel pain, commonly known as plantar fasciitis. Many patients suffer from this condition for more than six months without relief. The study compares two groups: one receiving fESWT treatment plus a specific exercise program, and a "wait-list" group that only performs the exercises at first. The shockwave treatment uses precise sound waves targeted at the painful area to stimulate the body's natural healing process. Researchers will measure if the treatment reduces pain and improves the patient's ability to walk and perform daily activities. Additionally, ultrasound will be used to see if the thickness of the plantar fascia (the tissue under the foot) decreases and returns to a healthier state. The goal is to confirm if fESWT provides a faster and more effective recovery than exercise alone.

The pain and abnormal gait postures observed in CPF patients may be associated with impaired foot function. However, few studies have examined the dorsiflexion function of the big toe in CPF patients, and the effectiveness of foot core control training in alleviating pain and improving gait remains unclear. Restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ1) may severely compromise foot function, leading to gait pattern alterations and subsequent instability. To address this, our study aims to improve symptoms, functional outcomes, and gait through foot core control training interventions. We recorded kinematic parameters and biomechanical data during the foot's plantar phase at toe-off before and after functional training for CPF patients. Comparative analysis between intervention groups revealed whether foot core control training can effectively enhance big toe dorsiflexion function and gait biomechanics in CPF patients. This research clarifies the therapeutic efficacy of foot core control training for CPF patients.