Comparing Botulinum Toxin A and Steroids for Heel Pain Treatment
Official title: Botulinum Toxin A Versus Steroids for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: a Randomized Controlled Study
Run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT02196155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether Botulinum Toxin A injections can help people with chronic heel pain feel better compared to cortisone injections.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bern and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 2016 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 10, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT02196155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing chronic plantar fasciitis symptoms for more than three months who have not responded to previous treatments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active differential diagnoses, recent injections or surgeries for plantar fasciitis, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) injections compared to cortisone injections for treating chronic plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. The study aims to address the lack of consensus on the best non-operative treatment for this condition by evaluating whether BTX-A can provide better outcomes by targeting the underlying muscle tightness rather than just alleviating symptoms. Participants will receive either BTX-A, cortisone, or saline injections, and their progress will be monitored over time to assess pain relief and functional improvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a more effective and safer option for patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited evidence comparing BTX-A to cortisone for plantar fasciitis, similar approaches using BTX-A for other musculoskeletal conditions have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical symptoms of a plantar fasciitis * Plantar fasciitis in MRI * Exclusion of differential diagnoses * Symptoms more than 3 months * Absolution of 3 months unsuccessful treatment * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria * Active differential diagnoses * Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, infection at injection sites, allergy against BTX-A * Previous injections or surgery for plantar fasciitis * Neurological diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system
Where it's running
-
Dep, of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inselspital, University of Berne
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting -
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kantonsspital Lucerne
Lucerne, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fabian Krause, PD Dr. — Dep. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inselspital, University of Berne, Freiburgstrasse, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
- Study coordinator: Fabian Krause, PD Dr.
- Email: fabian.krause@insel.ch
- Phone: 0041316322220
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy With or Without Kinesio Taping for Plantar Fasciitis
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Relationship between central sensitization and clinical features in plantar fasciitis
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.