The effect of topical wheatgrass cream on chronic plantar fasciitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

SummaryObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy of a topical wheatgrass cream for improving pain and function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.DesignRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.SettingEighty participants with chronic plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to a treatment group (wheatgrass cream) or a control group (placebo cream). All participants applied a cream twice daily for 6 weeks. Follow up was conducted at 6 and 12 weeks.Main outcome measuresVisual Analogue Scale (VAS) for daily first-step pain and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) for overall foot function. Secondary measures of foot posture, calf muscle strength and range of ankle dorsiflexion were also assessed.ResultsNo significant differences were found between groups with respect to main outcomes of first-step pain or foot function at any time. Both groups improved significantly from baseline to 6 weeks, and these improvements were maintained at 12 weeks.ConclusionsThe topical application of wheatgrass cream is no more effective than a placebo cream for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.