Barefoot Walking vs Standardised Conservative Care for Plantar Fasciopathy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with plantar fasciopathy are randomly assigned to either a barefoot walking program or a standardized stretching and strengthening routine for 12 weeks, with weekly short surveys and follow-up surveys over six months. The study uses a home-based exercise approach and provides load-management education for plantar fasciopathy. Outcomes focus on changes in heel pain, foot function, and quality of life. Results will indicate whether barefoot walking is a viable conservative option for managing heel pain due to plantar fasciopathy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-70 years;
* Clinical diagnosis of Plantar Fasciopahty, defined by: a) Pain localised to the medial calcaneal tubercle of sharp or stabbing quality; b) Pain worst with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest (first-step pain); c) Pain reproduced with palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle OR positive Windlass Test;
* Symptom duration greater than 4 weeks;
* Able to walk independently without a mobility aid
* Able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior surgery on the affected foot
* Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological condition affecting lower limb sensation or motor control
* Active inflammatory arthropathy, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided
* Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or other acute foot or ankle injury on the affected side
* Pregnancy during the intervention period
* BMI greater than 40 kg/m²
* Corticosteroid injection to the affected foot within the previous 3 months
* Night splints initiated less than 4 weeks prior to enrolment
* Any condition that would make participation unsafe, including open foot wounds

Where it's running

• South East Technological University
  Carlow, Carlow County, Ireland Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.