Effectiveness of Percutaneous Electrolysis Treatment Targeting the Muscle-Fascia Chain in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying chronic plantar fasciitis in adults by comparing two treatment approaches that combine a conventional exercise program with percutaneous electrolysis. The study aims to evaluate whether applying percutaneous electrolysis to both the plantar fascia and the myofascial trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles improves treatment effectiveness compared to applying it only to the plantar fascia. This randomized controlled trial excludes participants with certain medical conditions and requires confirmation of plantar fasciitis by clinical symptoms and ultrasound imaging. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups follow a home-based exercise program including stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, rolling exercises, and towel-grasping to strengthen foot muscles. One group will receive ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis on the plantar fascia alone, while the other group will receive the same electrolysis treatment on both the plantar fascia and trigger points in the gastrosoleus muscles. Treatments occur three times on days 1, 8, and 14 using fine acupuncture needles and a specialized device delivering a low-intensity galvanic current. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated for pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, foot function, tissue changes via ultrasound, and maximum pain-free standing and walking times. These assessments take place before treatment, immediately after the last treatment session (about two weeks), and three months after starting treatment. The study collects detailed data to understand differences in outcomes between the two treatment strategies over time, with monitoring continuing until April 2026.

Percutaneous Electrolysis Targeting the Muscle-Fascia Chain for Treating Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in Adults