Improving foot health in older adults with plantar fasciitis
A Novel Approach to Plantar Fasciitis in the Aging Population
This study is testing if wearing minimal shoes along with foot exercises can help older adults with plantar fasciitis feel better and improve their foot health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 138 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampa, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT05834491 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate whether minimal footwear combined with foot strengthening exercises can enhance outcomes for aging adults suffering from plantar fasciitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a minimal footwear group or a supportive footwear group, with both groups engaging in foot flexibility exercises. The study will monitor pain levels and physical function over time, comparing the effectiveness of the two interventions. By focusing on improving foot strength and function, the research seeks to address the high recurrence rates of plantar fasciitis in older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults experiencing active plantar fasciitis for at least six months with specific pain characteristics.
Not a fit: Patients with systemic diseases, recent heel surgeries, or those who have previously used minimal shoes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce foot pain and improve mobility in older adults with plantar fasciitis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using minimal footwear for treating other conditions in older adults, suggesting potential for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1 Active plantar fasciitis for a minimum of 6 months. 2. Heel/arch pain on first step in the morning, 3. Heel/arch pain with prolonged standing (\>15 min), 4. Heel/arch pain with prolonged walking (\>15 min), 5. Be able to stand and walk for 10 minutes with little or no pain (\<3/10 on a NRPS). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Having systemic disease such as diabetes, gout, arthritis, neuropathy, surgical reconstructions 2. Having a history of heel surgery or had a steroid injection for heel pain in the past 6 months. 3. Used foot orthoses less than 3 months before start date of study. 4. Having used minimal shoes at any time in the past. 5. No special or vulnerable populations will be recruited.
Where this trial is running
Tampa, Florida
- University of South Flroida — Tampa, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Irene Davis, PhD
- Email: sdavis@usf.edu
- Phone: 3025596433
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.