The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pain and Foot Function Index in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

Zeinab Sadat Yajaddi Arani; Navid Taheri; Mohammad Javad Tarrahi

doi:10.1002/bem.70061

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The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pain and Foot Function Index in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

Zeinab Sadat Yajaddi Arani·Navid Taheri·Mohammad Javad Tarrahi

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Abstract

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that originates from the heel, and its inflammation is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. The Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) is a non-invasive modality in the field of physiotherapy. This study aimed to determine the effects of PEMF on pain scores and the Foot Function Index (FFI) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). In this clinical trial study, 40 patients with PF, aged between 20 and 68 years, were randomly assigned in a block design into two groups: the Conventional Physiotherapy (CP) group and the CP plus PEMF (CPP) group. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the FFI questionnaire were used to assess the pain score (morning and evening pain) and foot function, respectively. Assessments were conducted before the study, at the tenth session of the CP and CPP groups, and 4 weeks later. The study variables in both the CP and CPP groups changed significantly (p < 0.05). In comparing the results between the two groups, the reduction in evening pain scores in the CPP group was significant compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). In comparison, there was no significant difference in morning pain scores between the two groups. The FFI score in the CPP group significantly decreased compared to the CP group. Both CP and CPP are effective in reducing pain and the FFI in patients with PF. The addition of PEMF to CP demonstrates a more significant effect on reducing evening pain and somewhat on reducing the FFI in patients compared to CP alone. However, it did not have an additional effect on reducing morning pain. Bioelectromagnetics. 00:00-00, 2026. © 2026 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

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Humans Fasciitis, Plantar Middle Aged Magnetic Field Therapy Adult Female Aged Male Pain Measurement Foot Pain Management Young Adult Electromagnetic Fields function pain plantar fasciitis pulsed electromagnetic field Journal Article Randomized Controlled Trial

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Zeinab Sadat Yajaddi Arani, Navid Taheri, Mohammad Javad Tarrahi. 2026. The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pain and Foot Function Index in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.70061

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Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial resource Adult subject Aged subject Female subject Humans subject Journal Article subject Male subject Middle Aged subject Pain subject Pain Management subject Pain Measurement subject Plantar fasciitis subject Randomized controlled trials study

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