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Ice Packs Versus Cold Baths Combined With Standard Exercise Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

NCT07694999 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-07-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of ice pack therapy and cold bath immersion when combined with standard exercise therapy in adults with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ice pack therapy or cold bath therapy in addition to the same standardized exercise program. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome will be foot function measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI). The findings of this study may help identify the more effective cryotherapy method for reducing pain and improving function in individuals with plantar fasciitis.

Conditions

  • Plantar Fasciitis

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Ice Pack Therapy

Ice pack therapy will be administered by applying crushed ice or a commercial gel ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the plantar aspect of the heel and medial longitudinal arch of the affected foot. The intervention will be applied for 10 minutes per session, five sessions per week for two weeks. Skin integrity will be assessed before and after treatment to minimize the risk of cold-related injury.

PROCEDURE

Cold Water Immersion

Cold water immersion will be administered by immersing the affected foot up to the malleoli in water maintained at 10-15°C for 10 minutes per session, five sessions per week for two weeks. Water temperature will be monitored before each treatment session, and participants will be observed for discomfort or excessive numbness throughout the intervention.

PROCEDURE

Standard Exercise Therapy

All participants will receive the same standardized exercise therapy program consisting of plantar fascia stretching, gastrocnemius and soleus stretching, eccentric heel raises, and balance training. Supervised sessions will be conducted five times per week for two weeks, with participants instructed to continue home exercises on non-supervised days. The exercise program is identical for both intervention groups.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ibadat International University, Islamabad

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Dr Zahid Mehmood · Ibadat International University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-02-17
Primary Completion
2026-07-06
Completion
2026-07-07

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07694999 on ClinicalTrials.gov