Investigating gastrocnemius tightness and foot pain in children
Is There an Association Between Gastrocnemius Tightness and Foot- and Legpain in Children?
This study looks at whether tight calf muscles are more common in healthy kids who have foot and leg pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Olavs Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trondheim) |
| Trial ID | NCT05862246 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the prevalence of gastrocnemius tightness in otherwise healthy children who are referred to a pediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic due to foot and leg pain. The study will involve clinical examinations to evaluate the range of motion in the ankle, specifically comparing dorsiflexion with the knee extended versus flexed. The goal is to determine if gastrocnemius tightness is more common in children experiencing these types of pain, which could provide insights into the underlying causes of their symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are otherwise healthy children referred to a pediatric orthopaedic clinic with complaints of foot and/or leg pain but with normal leg function.
Not a fit: Patients with existing foot deformities, general medical conditions affecting the foot, or those requiring further diagnostic investigation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of foot and leg pain in children, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence linking gastrocnemius tightness to foot pain in adults, this specific investigation in children is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Otherwise healthy children referred to pediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic with foot and/or leg pain with a normal leg function Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with foot conditions, general medical conditions affecting the foot or clinical findings indicating a need for further investigation for a diagnosis. Such as: Foot deformities (cavo-varus foot, clubfoot) Tarsal coalitions Neuro-orthopedic conditions (CP, MMC) Fracture sequelae Infections and tumour
Where this trial is running
Trondheim
- St Olavs hospital — Trondheim, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Håkon Langvatn — St. Olavs Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tina Wik
- Email: tina.stromdal.wik@stolav.no
- Phone: +4772826521
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.