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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
The gastrocnemius stretching exercises will be performed by patients in the study group. These exercises will involve stretching the gastrocnemius muscle in a controlled manner to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the plantar fascia.
Ultrasound therapy: A therapeutic ultrasound device will be used to apply ultrasound waves to the plantar fascia area for pain relief and to promote healing. The frequency, intensity, and duration of the ultrasound therapy will be determined by the treating physical therapist based on individual patient needs.Fascia strengthening exercises: Patients will be instructed to perform exercises targeting the intrinsic foot muscles and the plantar fascia to improve strength and function. Examples of these exercises include toe curls, towel scrunches, and arch lifts. Patients will be asked to perform these exercises daily, with the specific number of repetitions and sets determined by the physical therapist.
Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University
Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza Governorate, Egypt
RECRUITINGChanges in Plantar heel pain intensity
Measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Changes in Plantar heel pain intensity at Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention and 3 months
Changes in Foot mobility
Measured using an inversion/eversion device
Time frame: Changes in foot mobility at Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention and 3 months
Changes in Foot function
Measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)
Time frame: Changes in foot function at Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention and 3 months
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