Every morning, millions take those first painful steps out of bed.
What if a simple electrical current could help calm that pain?
Welcome to ORIEMS FIT Research Digest — where we break down real medical research into simple language.
At the end of every post, you will always find the link to the original study, so you can read the science yourself.
Today’s study looks at something called Monophasic Pulsed Current (MPC) — a form of electrical stimulation — and whether it can reduce heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It affects over two million Americans every year.
It happens when the thick band of tissue under your foot becomes inflamed and thickened.
Researchers wanted to know:
• Can electrical stimulation reduce heel pain?
• Can it reduce the thickness of the plantar fascia?
• Is stretching needed together with stimulation?
What Did The Researchers Do?
This was a randomized controlled trial.
44 people with diagnosed plantar fasciitis took part.
They were split into two groups:
-
MPC electrical stimulation only
-
MPC + stretching exercises
Both groups received treatment 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
Pain was measured using a 0–10 pain scale.
Plantar fascia thickness was measured using ultrasound.
What Did They Find?
After 4 weeks:
• Heel pain significantly decreased in both groups
• Plantar fascia thickness significantly decreased
• Adding stretching did NOT produce superior results
• There was no strong link between pain reduction and thickness change
In simple terms:
Electrical stimulation alone reduced pain.
Electrical stimulation reduced tissue thickness.
Stretching did not add extra benefit.
The authors concluded that 12 sessions of MPC significantly reduced heel pain and plantar fascia thickness
What Is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?
Electrical stimulation uses controlled electrical pulses to activate tissue.
In this study, researchers used a negative electrode to attract fibroblast cells.
Fibroblasts help produce collagen and support tissue repair
Electrical stimulation has been studied for:
• Supporting tissue healing
• Improving blood flow
• Reducing swelling
• Supporting recovery
This study suggests it may also help reduce heel pain linked to plantar fasciitis.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Study Name | The Effect of Monophasic Pulsed Current with Stretching Exercise on the Heel Pain and Plantar Fascia Thickness in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8020079 |
| Published In | Healthcare (MDPI), 2020 |
| Researchers | Abdullah Alotaibi, Jerrold Petrofsky, Noha S. Daher, Everett Lohman, Hasan M. Syed, Haneul Lee |
| Research Centres | Loma Linda University (USA), Touro University (USA), Gachon University (South Korea), Saudi Armed Forces Medical Service Dept |
| Country | USA, South Korea, Saudi Arabia |
| Study Type | Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Participants | 44 adults diagnosed with plantar fasciitis |
| Duration | 4 weeks (12 sessions) |
| Intervention | Monophasic Pulsed Current (MPC), ± stretching |
| Measurements | Pain scale (VAS), Ultrasound thickness |
| Main Findings | Significant reduction in heel pain and plantar fascia thickness in both groups |
| Added Stretching Benefit | No significant superiority over MPC alone |
| Funding | No funding declared |
| Conflict of Interest | None declared |
| Original Study Link | https://mdpi-res.com/healthcare/healthcare-08-00079/article_deploy/healthcare-08-00079.pdf?version=1585563077 |
Love this research digest? 👣⚡
Learned something new about heel pain and EMS? 🔬
Share it with someone who needs it. 🤝
📲 Read & share:
https://bit.ly/4aPC78V
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only.
It is not medical advice.
ORIEMS FIT does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Results mentioned in research studies do not guarantee individual results.
Always consult a qualified health professional before beginning any new therapy.
ORIEMS FIT is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the study authors or journal.
We are simply reporting publicly available scientific research.
At ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, we believe science should be transparent.
Every post includes the original study link.
Read the research yourself.
