Examining how different terrains affect foot muscle strength in healthy people and those with plantar fasciitis

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

This study investigates the impact of terrain variation on the strength of intrinsic foot muscles in both healthy individuals and those suffering from plantar fasciitis. It aims to understand how modern footwear and a lack of varied terrain may contribute to foot pathologies by examining the relationship between terrain, muscle function, and structural changes in the foot. Participants will be divided into treatment and control cohorts to assess these effects over time.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria for Group A:

* Patients presenting to the University of Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute with pain on the plantar medial or central heel for greater than 60 days with the following features
* Pain upon palpation, or insidious pain onset
* Pain accentuated after long periods of weight bearing activities or after periods of rest
* A reduction in pain following light activities (McPoil et al., 2008)
* Failure to respond to treatment modalities for 6 months, including plantar fascia and muscle stretching, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, supportive insoles, and night splints
* Age \>18 years

Inclusion Criteria for Group B:

* Healthy individuals in the general population of Gainesville and surrounding areas
* Age \>18

Exclusion Criteria for Group A:

* History of lower leg or foot surgery, hindfoot trauma or fracture of the affected limb within the previous year.
* Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, neurological disease, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, tarsal tunnel syndrome or heel pad syndrome
* Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 35
* Currently taking or applying any anti-inflammatory medication or medication to control nerve pathology, prescription or over the counter
* Third trimester pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria for Group B:

* Any foot or lower limb pathology resulting in discomfort or gait limitation
* Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, neurological disease
* BMI \>35
* Currently taking or applying any anti-inflammatory medication or medication to control nerve pathology, prescription or over the counter
* Third trimester pregnancy

Where it's running

• UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute
  Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Antony Merendino, DPM — University of Florida
• Study coordinator: Antony Merendino, DPM
• Email: merena@ortho.ufl.edu
• Phone: 352-273-7198

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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.