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US-guided Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPE®) in Plantar Fasciosis

Not Applicable
Withdrawn
Conditions
Plantar Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciosis
Interventions
Other: US-guided percutaneous electrolysis
Other: Sham US-guided percutaneous electrolysis
Registration Number
NCT02578134
Lead Sponsor
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Brief Summary

Scientific evidence of conservative management of individuals with plantar fasciosis is sometimes conflicting. There is evidence that regular exercise programs are effective for this pain condition. The inclusion of other therapeutic modalities is still controversial. Some authors have suggested that the use of US-guided percutaneous electrolysis (EPE®) maybe useful for the management of chronic tendinopathies; however, no study has investigated the potential placebo effect of this intervention. The objective of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of US-guided percutaneous electrolysis (EPE®) versus sham US-guided percutaneous electrolysis for the management of patients with plantar fasciosis for pain, function, and disability.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
WITHDRAWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
Not specified
Inclusion Criteria
  • insidious onset of sharp pain under the plantar heel surface upon weight bearing after a period of non-weight bearing;
  • plantar heel pain which increases in the morning with the first steps after waking up;
  • symptoms decreasing with slight levels of activity, such as walking.
Exclusion Criteria
  • prior surgery in the lower extremity;
  • diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome;
  • previous physical therapy interventions for the foot region in the previous 6 months
  • lidocaine or other injections in the plantar fascia for the management of pain in the previous 6 months

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
US-guided percutaneous electrolysisUS-guided percutaneous electrolysisPatients will receive one weekly session for 5 weeks for 5 weeks of US-guided percutaneous electrolysis. This intervention consists of the application of a galvanic electrical current with an acupuncture needle in the soft tissue, in this case the plantar fascia insertion. In addition, patients will be asked for conducting a best-evidence low-load exercise programs for the intrinsic foot musculature. The exercise program will be asked to be performed on an individual basis twice every day.
Sham US-guided percutaneous electrolysisSham US-guided percutaneous electrolysisPatients will receive one weekly session for 5 weeks for 5 weeks of sham US-guided percutaneous electrolysis. In this case, the acupuncture needle will be inserted in the soft tissue, in this case the plantar fascia insertion without the application of the galvanic electrical current. In addition, patients will be asked for conducting a best-evidence low-load exercise programs for the intrinsic foot musculature. The exercise program will be asked to be performed on an individual basis twice every day.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in disability before and after the interventionBaseline, one week after the last session, and 3 months after the last session

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) will be used to determine function and disability of the lower extremity induced by plantar heel pain

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in thickness of the plantar fasciaBaseline, one week after the last session, and 3 months after the last session

An ultrasound (US) assessment of the thickness of the plantar fascia will be conducted to determine changes in fascial tissue thickness

Changes in pain intensity before and after the interventionBaseline, one week after the last session, and 3 months after the last session

A 10-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS; 0: no pain, 10: maximum pain) will be used to assess the patients' current level of plantar heel pain

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Cesar Fernandez-de-Las-Peñas

🇪🇸

Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain

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