Pulsed Radiofrequency Versus 5% Dextrose Injection in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

This prospective, two-center, randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency and 5% dextrose injection in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Eligible participants will be randomized into two parallel groups. One group will receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment, and the other group will receive ultrasound-guided 5% dextrose injection using the peppering technique. All participants will receive a home-based plantar fascia stretching exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes will include foot function, activity-related pain, ankle-hindfoot function, and health-related quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis based on medical history and physical examination * Heel pain resistant to conservative treatment for at least 12 weeks * Age between 18 and 70 years * Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital or acquired disease that may impair or prevent foot function, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemiplegia, congenital foot deformity, traumatic foot or leg amputation, or fracture sequelae * Local infection or skin disease at the treatment site * Bleeding disorder or use of anticoagulant medication within the last week * Disease causing mental dysfunction, such as uncontrolled Parkinson disease or Alzheimer disease * Previous surgery for plantar fasciitis * Refusal to participate in the study or inability to provide informed consent * Failure to attend follow-up visits after treatment * Request to withdraw from the study * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy * Presence of a cardiac pacemaker * History of epilepsy * Active or previous malignancy * Rheumatologic disease