Effect of Monophasic Pulsed Current on the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common soft tissue disorders that causes inferior heel and rear foot pain. Monophasic pulsed current (MPC) is a method of electrical stimulation (ES) clinically used to promote and accelerate wound healing processes. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to investigate the effect of MPC and MPC coupled with plantar fascia specific stretching exercises (SE) in the treatment of PF. Methods: Forty four participants (twenty- two subjects were women; 22 were men with a mean age of 49 ± 10.6 years) diagnosed with PF were randomly allocated to receive MPC (n=22) or MPC coupled with plantar fascia specific SE (n=22). Prior to treatment, participants underwent a baseline evaluation. Heel pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), heel tenderness threshold was quantified using a handheld pressure algometer (PA), the functional activities level was assessed using the Activities of Daily Living subscale of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (ADL/FAAM), and the sagittal thickness (ST) of the proximal insertion of the plantar fascia was measured with musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US). Following treatment, post intervention evaluation was performed using the same outcome measures.
Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Therapy, Fasciitis - Plantar - Therapy; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Physical Therapy Modalities; Severity of Illness Index; Pain Measurement, Plantar Fasciitis; Soft Tissue Disorders; Monophasic Pulsed Current; Heel Pain; Heel Tenderness Threshold; Foot and Ankle Ability Measure
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