Investigating taping methods for heel fat pad syndrome
Study of Taping for Heel Fat Pad Syndrome (STEP): A Randomized Controlled Crossover Single-blind Clinical Trial
This study is testing whether a special taping method can help people with heel fat pad syndrome feel less pain and improve their foot function compared to regular taping.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05385796 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effects of heel fat pad loop taping compared to control taping on pain and function in individuals suffering from heel fat pad syndrome. Participants will undergo assessments to measure pain sensitivity and heel fat pad thickness before and after the taping intervention. The hypothesis is that loop taping will provide superior pain relief and functional improvement. This research addresses a significant gap in conservative management options for heel fat pad syndrome, which is a common cause of plantar heel pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 18 to 79 with a history of plantar heel pain and tenderness in the heel fat pad.
Not a fit: Patients with primary diagnoses of other conditions causing plantar heel pain, such as plantar fasciopathy or those with systemic inflammatory diseases, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a non-pharmacological treatment option that significantly reduces pain and improves mobility for patients with heel fat pad syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on conservative management for heel fat pad syndrome, this approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in the existing literature.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men or women 18 to 79 years of age * History of plantar heel pain in either foot for at least one week and less than 3 years before enrollment * Tenderness on palpation of the heel fat pad * Self-reported worst unilateral or bilateral central heel pain of ≥ 3 on a 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) during the past week * Pain ≥ 3 on NPRS during at least one of two pain-aggravating activities of 30-sec static single leg standing OR barefoot 20-meter walking assessed during the enrollment screening and before the tape application Exclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnoses of plantar heel pain (e.g., plantar fasciopathy, posterior tibialis tendinopathy, or tarsal tunnel syndrome) other than HFPS * Ultrasound-measured plantar fascia thickness ≥ 4mm, combined with clinical presentations of plantar fasciopathy * BMI ≥ 35 * Systemic inflammatory arthritis * Diabetes * Lumbar radiculopathy * Neurological conditions affecting gait and mobility * Having received taping for HFPS within the last month * Prior heel surgery
Where this trial is running
Aalborg
- Aalborg University — Aalborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alison H Chang — Northwestern University & Aalborg University
- Study coordinator: Alison H Chang
- Email: hsini@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-908-8273
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.