Effectiveness of Myofascial trigger point dry needling combined with a stretching exercise regimen in the management of plantar fasciitis: A pilot randomized controlled trial

INTERVENTION: Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrPs) is defined as hypersensitive palpable nodules in a taut band of a skeletal muscle that are painful on compression, contraction, or stretching of the muscle. Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling will be administered by two fully trained research students.Myofascial Trigger Point Dry needling will only be administered once only during the initial visit. The duration of the Myofascial Trigger Point Dry needling session is 20 minutes during the initial visit. All participants will be instructed on a stretching exercise regimen for a period of two weeks. This includes stretching exercises for both the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. The frequency for each muscle specific stretching exercise will be two times per day, using intermittent stretching of 20 seconds, followed by 20 seconds rest for a total of three minutes for each stretch. Hence, the gastrocnemius, soleus and the plantar fascia will each be stretched for six minutes total per day. A stretching exercise logbook will be given to each participant for their compliance towards the stretching regimen to be recorded. CONDITION: Plantar Fasciitis. PRIMARY OUTCOME: All the questions in Foot Health Status Questionnaire SECONDARY OUTCOME: Weight bearing lunge test: ; Distance of the Hallux from the wall to the nearest 0.1cm. ; ; Angle of the tibial relative to the vertical to the nearest 0.1. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ‐ Male or female who are above the age of 18 years old. ‐ Have a correctly diagnosed unilateral plantar fasciitis condition. ‐ At least one identifiable MTrPs within the calf muscle complex. ‐ Foot Posture Index between ‐8 to +8. ‐ Without previous foot and ankle surgery or fractures for at least two years.