Acupuncture of Different Treatment Frequency in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

What this Trial Is About

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain that affects about 1 in 10 people during their lifetime, with around 1 million new cases annually in the United States. PF is now understood as a chronic degenerative condition influenced by factors like repetitive stress, vascular and metabolic issues, and certain autoimmune diseases. It can significantly impact quality of life by reducing function and social engagement. Treatments include physical therapy, medication like corticosteroids, and surgery, but each has limitations, leading researchers to explore acupuncture as a possible alternative. This trial compares two different frequencies of electroacupuncture treatment for chronic PF: one group receives acupuncture three times per week, and the other once per week, both over four weeks. The acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points on the foot and lower leg, with manual stimulation and electrical stimulation applied during sessions lasting 30 minutes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two groups to assess whether less frequent treatment provides similar pain relief as more frequent sessions. During the study, participants will be monitored through several visits, including telephone or in-person check-ins twice weekly for the less frequent group. Researchers will measure response rates and changes in pain intensity, heel pressure pain threshold, ankle mobility, and foot function using various scales at weeks 4, 8, and 16. Participants will also provide global assessments of improvement. The study aims to optimize acupuncture frequency to balance effectiveness and patient burden over a total participation period that includes treatment and follow-up assessments.

Acupuncture of Different Treatment Frequency in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis