Evidence-based evaluation and study on efficacy and mechanism of small needle knife fascial release technique combined with therapy for plantar fasciitis

INTERVENTION: Small Needle Knife Group:The patient is placed in a supine position. A small sandbag is placed under the posterior aspect of the affected ankle, with the heel oriented downward and the sole fully exposed. The injection point is at the medial side of the calcaneus where pain is triggered, marked with gentian violet. Routine disinfection is performed, and a sterile drape is applied. The operator wears sterile gloves and uses a No. 4 small needle knife. With the right hand holding the needle knife and the left inde Xfinger touching the skin at the injection point, the knife is inserted with its blade parallel to the longitudinal axis of the foot. The needle knife head is directed toward the heel, with the needle body forming an 80° angle with the plantar surface of the heel. Upon reaching the calcaneal bone surface, the needle is lifted 2‐4 mm and longitudinal (tongji) is performed several times. The procedure is completed when the operator senses the disappearance of tension under the needle knife. The site is covered with sterile dressing, and pressure hemostasis is applied for 3 minutes. After confirming no active bleeding, the area is covered with sterile gauze. The surgical site should be kept dry for two days. The small needle knife fascial release procedure is performed only once.;Chuzhen Team:Take the Ah‐Shi point at the origin of the plantar fascia as the central palace to establish the Eight Formation points. The section from the Weizhong point to the Chengshan point is designated as the River Vehicle pathway. For local proximal points, select Kunlun, Taixi, and Xiahujiao as primary points; for distal points, select Tianquan, Shenmen, and Yujie as primary points. After covering with sterile gauze, use the tip of the Qiyao Hunyuan staff at the Eight Formation poin CONDITION: Plantar fasciitis PRIMARY OUTCOME: VAS score; SECONDARY OUTCOME: Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM);Lower Limb Function Scale (LEFS);Musculoskeletal ultrasound examination;MRI scan; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1)Those who meet the above clinical diagnostic criteria for PF; 2) Individuals aged =21 years; 3) Patients with a disease duration of =1 month; 4) Patients who have not received treatment such as small needle knife,, or ESWT in the month prior to consultation; 5) All patients have signed an informed consent form for treatment.