Needle vs. radio waves: which zaps heel pain best?
NCT ID NCT07688876
First seen Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two minimally invasive treatments for chronic plantar fasciitis—a common cause of heel pain that hasn't improved with rest or physical therapy. One group receives ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency, which uses electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals; the other gets a series of 5% dextrose (sugar water) injections around the painful area. Both groups also do a home stretching program. Researchers will measure pain, foot function, and quality of life over 12 weeks to see which approach works better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pulsed radiofrequency or 5% dextrose injection
- What this could lead to
- If one treatment proves superior, it could offer a more effective, minimally invasive option for chronic heel pain that hasn't responded to conservative care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 50 participants, so results may not apply widely. Both procedures are experimental for this condition and carry risks like infection or nerve damage.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITINGAnkara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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