Effects of Dry Needling Combined With Physical Therapy Versus Physical Therapy Alone on Gait and Pain in Adults with Plantar Fasciitis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of adding dry needling to conventional physical therapy compared to conventional physical therapy alone on walking and pain in adults with plantar fasciitis. The study focuses on changes in pain, ankle range of motion, walking speed, stride, and daily activities in adults aged 40 to 60 years suffering from plantar heel pain lasting more than three months. This randomized controlled trial aims to provide insight into how these treatments influence gait and function. Participants receive either standard care including ultrasound, stretching, and strengthening exercises combined with sham dry needling, or the same standard care combined with real dry needling. Both groups undergo six treatment sessions over three weeks, twice per week. The dry needling targets specific foot and calf muscles with sterile needles applied for 5 minutes each session, while the sham group receives similar procedures without the active needle stimulation. During the study, participants will be assessed before and after treatment using pain rating scales, goniometer measurements for ankle motion, a 30-meter walk test, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure FAAM. Researchers will monitor pain intensity, gait speed, cadence, cycle length, stride length, and range of motion over three weeks. Consent will be obtained before participation, and data collection includes pre- and post-intervention scores to evaluate treatment effects.

Additional Effects of Dry Needling With Conventional Physical Therapy Versus Conventional Physical Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis: a Randomized Control Trial