Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Plantar fasciopathy has a lifetime prevalence of 10% in the general population and can have a significant impact on quality of life. This research was conducted determine if a quick and simple acupuncture technique + a home-exercise program would reduce pain and improve function more than a home-exercise program alone. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at 2 U.S. Air Force military treatment facilities. Department of Defense beneficiaries ≥18 years' old with PF were recruited; 94 subjects were randomized to home exercise only (control) or home exercise + acupuncture (intervention). The intervention group had a acupuncture every 2 weeks for 4 treatments. There was no blinding. Patients initially in the control group were allowed to cross over to acupuncture after the initial 12-week study. Primary outcomes were pain reduction and improved functioning. Scores were obtained at baseline, each visit, and 6 weeks post-treatment. Results: The control group had a 21% reduction in pain scores ( p