The effect of topical wheatgrass cream on chronic plantar fasciitis: A randomize

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Complement Ther Med. 2006 Mar;14(1):3-9.

The effect of topical wheatgrass cream on chronic plantar fasciitis:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Young MA, Cook JL, Webster KE.

Musculoskeletal Research Centre, School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe

University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of a topical wheatgrass cream

for improving pain and function in patients with chronic plantar

fasciitis.

DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING: Eighty 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 MEASURES: Visual 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.

RESULTS: No 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.

CONCLUSIONS: The topical application of wheatgrass cream is no more

effective than a placebo cream for the treatment of chronic plantar

fasciitis.