Comparing Ice Pack and Cold Bath Cryotherapy Combined with Exercise Therapy for Adult Plantar Fasciitis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two cryotherapy methodsice pack therapy and cold bath immersioncombined with standard exercise therapy in adults with plantar fasciitis. This condition causes heel pain that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. This randomized controlled trial aims to find which cryotherapy approach better reduces pain and improves foot function when added to a standardized exercise program. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving ice pack therapy applied to the heel and arch, and the other receiving cold bath immersion of the foot in water maintained at 10-150C. Both treatments last 10 minutes per session, five times a week for two weeks. All participants will follow the same supervised exercise routine including plantar fascia and calf muscle stretching, eccentric heel raises, and balance training. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale and foot function using the Foot Function Index at the start and immediately after the two-week intervention. Skin integrity and comfort during treatments will be monitored to reduce risks. The findings will help identify the more effective and practical cryotherapy method for managing plantar fasciitis and improving patient quality of life.

Ice Packs Versus Cold Baths Combined With Standard Exercise Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis