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

Effectiveness of US-guided Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPE®) Versus Placebo in Individuals With Plantar Fasciosis

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.

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