This prospective, single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized non-inferiority trial will compare physician-led face-to-face exercise instruction with standardized video-based exercise instruction in adults with plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either face-to-face exercise training by an orthopedic physician or access to a standardized exercise video via QR code/web link. The exercise content will be identical in both groups; only the method of instruction will differ. The primary outcome will be the change in the Foot Function Index total/index score from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes will include pain score, Foot Function Index subscales, exercise knowledge, exercise adherence, education time, video viewing status, additional treatment requirement, and patient satisfaction.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic plantar heel pain and may lead to functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Exercise education is an important component of conservative treatment; however, in busy outpatient settings, the time available for detailed face-to-face instruction may be limited. Standardized video-based education may provide a practical alternative by delivering the same exercise content in a reproducible format.

This study will evaluate whether video-based exercise instruction is non-inferior to physician-led face-to-face instruction in patients with plantar fasciitis. All participants will receive standard information about plantar fasciitis, load management, footwear recommendations, weight control, short-term analgesic or anti-inflammatory use when needed, and heel pad or insole support. The home exercise program will be identical in both groups and will include plantar fascia-specific stretching, gastrocnemius/soleus stretching, plantar fascia self-massage, gradual toe raises, and towel pull exercises.

Assessments will be performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after randomization. Functional status will be assessed using the Foot Function Index, and pain will be measured using a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Exercise knowledge, adherence, education duration, video viewing behavior, additional treatment use, and satisfaction will also be recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 70 years
• Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
• Plantar heel pain lasting for at least 3 months
• Heel pain that is most prominent with the first steps in the morning or after rest
• Tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle
• Baseline heel pain score of 4 or higher on a 0-10 numerical rating scale
• Functional capacity to perform the prescribed exercises
• Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer to view the exercise video
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous foot or ankle surgery on the affected side
• History of foot fracture, foot tumor, advanced neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, or tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Corticosteroid injection, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, or other interventional treatment for plantar fasciitis within the last 6 months
• Inflammatory arthritis or systemic rheumatologic disease affecting the foot
• Severe knee or hip osteoarthritis limiting exercise performance
• Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation or completion of questionnaires
• Pregnancy
• Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol

Individual participant data will not be publicly shared because the ethics approval and informed consent do not include public sharing of participant-level data. De-identified aggregate study results will be reported in scientific presentations and publications.

Because of the nature of the intervention, participants and treating physicians cannot be masked to group allocation. To reduce bias, standardized forms and predefined follow-up assessments will be used, and group codes will be used during statistical analysis.