Comparing dynamic and static splints for plantar fasciitis treatment
Dynamic Versus Static Night Splinting of Plantar Fasciitis
This study is testing whether a new type of splint that adjusts tension works better than a regular splint for helping people with plantar fasciitis feel less pain and move better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05432895 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of two types of splinting methods—dynamic and static progressive—in improving motion for patients with plantar fasciitis. The dynamic splint utilizes a tension spring to allow for adjustable tension, while the static splint positions the foot to maximize range of motion. Participants will be monitored for improvements in pain and mobility over a specified period. The goal is to determine if there is any significant difference in outcomes between the two splinting techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with acute plantar fasciitis symptoms lasting less than six months.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic conditions affecting the foot, such as arthritis or those requiring gait aids, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the most effective splinting method for alleviating pain and improving mobility in patients with plantar fasciitis.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific comparison of dynamic versus static splinting is less explored, similar studies on splinting techniques have shown varying degrees of success in improving outcomes for similar conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Demographic - Over 18 years of age and ambulatory without a gait aid with no history of narcotic use * Diagnosis - Unilateral or bilateral acute (\< 6 months of pain) plantar fasciitis (i.e., Heel pain that increases with weightbearing, "First step pain": heel pain that occurs after a period of non-weightbearing, such as in the morning when arising from bed or when arising after prolonged sitting; the pain is improved after a few minutes walking but will worsen again with prolonged weightbearing, tenderness over the medial calcaneal tuberosity at the insertion of the plantar fasciitis) * Permitted - Icing, NSAIDS( ibuprofen), Custom Shoe Inserts, Diagnostic Ultrasound Exclusion Criteria: * Demographic - Under 18 year of age, requires a gait aid for ambulation; if not covered by insurance, * Diagnosis of - Arthritis of the Ankle, Midfoot, or Forefoot; Inflammatory Arthritis; Gout; Turf Toe; Hallux Rigidus; Hallux Limitus; Sesamoiditis; Tendonitis or Tendinopathy; Prior tear or Rupture of the Plantar Fascia; Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, or Neuropathy; Peripheral Vascular Disease; Prior Trauma to the Heel, Fracture of the Calcaneus; Infection; Corn; Callus; Ingrown Nail. * Patient with history of Symptoms for over 6 months * Refractory to prior splint-based treatments * Prior injection of the plantar fascia * Prior surgery on the plantar fascia * Narcotic use
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations
- Stanford University School of Medicine — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Stanford outpatient center — Redwood City, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Prerna Arora
- Email: arprerna@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6507217631
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.