Gastrocnemius Stretching on Plantar Heel Pain, Foot Mobility and Function in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Last updated: June 17, 2023
Sponsor: Ahram Canadian University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Soft Tissue Infections

Treatment

Gastrocnemius Stretching Exercises

Standard care

Clinical Study ID

NCT05920551
012/7080002023
  • Ages 30-50
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of gastrocnemius stretching exercises on plantar heel pain intensity, foot mobility, and function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Pain reproduced with palpation of the plantar fascia
  2. localized and sharp but not radiating
  3. worse in the initial step after and an extended period of rest
  4. decreased initially after the first steps but exacerbated with increased activityatleast 6 weeks
  5. unresponsive conservative form of plantar fasciitis care (ie, rest, stretching,full-length silicone insole, prescription NSAIDs when taken for a period of 2 weeks)

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. history of previous steroid injections
  2. previous surgery of the foot, lumbar spine disc herniation or back injury
  3. patients with rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy,gout disease, enthesopathy, Sjogren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus)

Study Design

Total Participants: 60
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Gastrocnemius Stretching Exercises
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 01, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
February 01, 2024

Study Description

This randomized controlled trial will include patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a study group performing gastrocnemius stretches or a control group. Both groups will receive ultrasound therapy and fascia strengthening exercises. The study group will additionally perform specific gastrocnemius stretching exercises. Outcome measures will be assessed before and after 4 weeks of intervention and will include pain intensity, foot mobility using an inversion/eversion device, and function using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. The study hypothesizes that the study group will demonstrate greater improvements in pain, foot mobility, and function compared to the control group. The study findings could guide physical therapy interventions for patients with plantar fasciitis.

Connect with a study center

  • Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University

    Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza 3221405
    Egypt

    Active - Recruiting

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