Skip to content

Effect of Iontophoresis vs. Ultrasound and Iontophoresis in Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis

Randomized Clinical Trial: Comparison in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis by Iontophoresis Versus Ultrasound.

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04917406
Enrollment
76
Registered
2021-06-08
Start date
2021-05-20
Completion date
2021-10-01
Last updated
2023-07-03

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Fasciitis, Plantar, Iontophoresis, Pain, Acute, Ultrasound Therapy; Complications

Brief summary

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of plantar fascia.The main symptom of plantar fasciitis manifests itself as localized pain in the inner area of the foot and increases in intensity after long periods of standing or resting. Its etiology is multifactorial and risk factors include overweight, female gender, physical exercise (impact sports), biomechanical imbalances of the foot and possible dysfunction of the functional twin-ankle-plantar system.Generally speaking, conservative measures are recommended as initial treatment for plantar fasciitis, and in situations where these are ineffective, corticosteroids are sometimes administered. At the local level, the route of administration can be by infiltration or iontophoresis.Iontophoresis consists of administering a drug through the skin by applying an electric current locally. This technique can be considered as a safe and effective method within the SLTF (Transcutaneous Drug Delivery Systems). It consists of introducing ions through the skin by means of electricity using a direct current, with an electrode carrying a positive charge (anode) and a negative charge (cathode). Its administration is produced thanks to the repulsive force to carry the compound through the skin by means of galvanic current. This study aims to assess whether treatment with iontophoresis in subjects with plantar fasciitis can show a more positive evolution in pain after a 6-week treatment period (treatment frequency: 1 time per week) versus ultrasound (3 times per week) for 6 weeks.

Interventions

DRUGApplication of lidocaine together with dexamethasone

Lidocaine 2% is applied on the positive pole while dexamethasone 4 mg/ml is applied on the negative pole. Through the use of current the drugs penetrate the fascia.

DEVICEApplication of ultrasound as physical therapy

The application dose will be 0.65 Watt for 7 minutes in the area of most painful affectation by means of a circular movement and a 1MZ head.

Sponsors

University of Seville
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* plantar fasciitis * fascia thickness (greater or equal to 4mm).

Exclusion criteria

* skin lesion * sensory neuropathy * current use of plantar supports * taking pharmacological treatment (15 days) or previous infiltrations (6 months) * previous surgery or fractures of the lower limb * pregnancy * allergy to the applied drugs.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Fasciitis painBaselineVisual analog scale VAS to evaluate Heel pain intensity was referred to as 0-10, in which 0= no pain at all and 10= the worst pain possible
Health statusBaselineEQ-5D assesses health status in terms of five dimensions of health and is considered a 'generic' questionnaire because these dimensions are not specific to any one patient group or health condition. EQ-5D can also be referred to as a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure, because patients can complete the questionnaire themselves to provide information about their current health status and how this changes over time. 'EQ-5D' is not an abbreviation and is the correct term to use when referring to the instrument in general
Plantar fascia thickness in mmBaselineThe plantar fascia is assessed by ultrasound.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Patient Global Impression of Improvement PGI-I questionnaire1 monthPatient (PGI-I). Patient Global Impression of Improvement.

Countries

Spain

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026