NCT07233395

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dextrose Prolotherapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in Plantar Fasciitis

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Plantar fasciitis is a degeneration of the plantar aponeurosis and is the most common cause of heel pain (11-15%). Although seen in both sexes, plantar fasciitis is more common in women, usually unilateral and bilateral in 30% of cases . The most widely accepted view regarding the formation of plantar fasciitis is that it is a degenerative process caused by myxoid degeneration, microtears, collagen necrosis, and angiofibroblastic hyperplasia, resulting from repetitive microtrauma to the plantar fascia, particularly at the calcaneal insertion site. It is not inflammatory . The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of prolotherapy, a regenerative treatment, and ESWT in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Detailed description

Plantar fasciitis is known as the most common cause of heel pain in adults. While its incidence increases between the ages of 40 and 60, it is more common in runners, those who work in positions requiring prolonged standing, overweight individuals, and those with certain biomechanical foot problems. Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis can be easily made through history and physical examination. Conservative methods are the first line of treatment. Local injections and ESWT are used in patients who fail to improve despite conservative treatment. ESWT and Prolotherapy are treatment methods that induce regeneration by creating a controlled inflammation. This prospective study aims to compare the effectiveness of ESWT and Prolotherapy, which have similar mechanisms of action, in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and to identify the more effective method.

Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Dextrose Prolotherapy	Participants in this group will receive dextrose prolotherapy twice, at two-week intervals. A 5 mL syringe containing 2.5 mL of 30% dextrose, 2 mL isotonic saline, and 0.5 mL 2% lidocaine (final 15% dextrose solution) will be injected into seven points around the plantar fascia origin under aseptic conditions.
DEVICE	Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)	Participants in this group will receive extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) twice per week for a total of four sessions. The treatment will be applied to the plantar fascia insertion area using a standard clinical shock wave therapy device. Energy level, frequency, and pulse count will be set according to manufacturer recommendations and standard clinical protocols.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-15
• Primary completion: 2026-01-15
• Completion: 2026-03-15
• First posted: 2025-11-18
• Last updated: 2025-11-18