Plantar Fasciitis
Conditions
Keywords
Plantar Fasciitis, Foot Core Strengthening, Sensorimotor Training, Plantar Pressure, Foot Function
Brief summary
This study aims to compare the effects of foot core strengthening and sensorimotor re-training, each combined with routine physical therapy, on pain, functional ability, and plantar pressure in patients with Plantar Fasciitis. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving foot core strengthening with routine physical therapy and the other receiving sensorimotor re-training with routine physical therapy. The study will evaluate which intervention is more effective in reducing pain, improving function, and normalizing plantar pressure distribution.
Detailed description
Plantar Fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by heel pain, reduced functional capacity, and altered plantar pressure distribution. It is often associated with overuse, poor biomechanics, and weakness of intrinsic foot muscles. Routine physical therapy management includes stretching exercises ( plantar fascia and calf stretching), strengthening, manual therapy, and physical modalities. However, recent rehabilitation approaches emphasize the importance of intrinsic muscle strengthening and sensorimotor control. This study is designed to compare two active rehabilitation approaches combined with routine physical therapy: Group A: Foot Core Strengthening + Routine Physical Therapy Participants in this group will receive: Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises ( short foot exercise, toe curls) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach aims to improve medial longitudinal arch support, enhance foot stability, and reduce mechanical stress on the plantar fascia. Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training + Routine Physical Therapy Participants in this group will receive: Sensorimotor and proprioceptive training ( balance exercises, unstable surface training) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach focuses on improving neuromuscular control, proprioception, and dynamic stability of the foot and ankle.
Interventions
OTHERFoot Core Strengthening with Routine Physical Therapy
Participants will receive a structured foot core strengthening program targeting intrinsic foot muscles, including exercises such as short foot exercise, toe curls, toe spreading, and marble pickup. These exercises aim to improve medial longitudinal arch stability and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. In addition, routine physical therapy will be provided, including plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius-soleus stretching, manual therapy techniques, and appropriate physical modalities. Sessions will be conducted 3-5 times per week for a duration of 4-8 weeks, along with a prescribed home exercise program.
OTHERSensorimotor Re-training with Routine Physical Therapy
Participants will receive a structured sensorimotor re-training program focusing on proprioception, balance, and neuromuscular control. Exercises will include single-leg stance, balance training on stable and unstable surfaces, wobble board exercises, and gait training. Routine physical therapy will also be provided, including plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius-soleus stretching, manual therapy techniques, and appropriate physical modalities. Sessions will be conducted 3-5 times per week for a duration of 4-8 weeks, along with a prescribed home exercise program.
Sponsors
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
This is an open-label study in which no masking is applied. Both participants and care providers are aware of the assigned interventions, including foot core strengthening with routine physical therapy and sensorimotor re-training with routine physical therapy. Outcome assessments will be conducted using standardized tools; however, no blinding of assessors is implemented.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
35 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Age 35-60 Years Sharp and worsen pain with the first few steps out of bed in morning. Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis of at least three months duration -
Exclusion criteria
History of ankle and foot surgery Diagnosis for Peripheral neuropathy, Tarsal tunnel syndrome Corticosteroid injection into heel within the last three months. Diagnosed neurological and rheumatological disease calcaneal fractures Pregnant Women-
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention | Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their heel pain during first steps in the morning and during activity. It is a reliable tool to measure pain severity in patients with Plantar Fasciitis. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Plantar Pressure Distribution | Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention | Plantar pressure will be measured using a pressure analysis system to evaluate changes in load distribution across different regions of the foot during standing and walking. |
| Foot Function | Baseline and at the end of 4-8 weeks of intervention | Functional ability will be evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI), which assesses pain, disability, and activity limitation related to foot conditions. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTMuqaddas Muqadds
CONTACTNabeela Dawood
STUDY_CHAIRNabeela Dawood
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Outcome results
None listed