Medial longitudinal arch and foot function in women with lipedema
Official title: Investigation of Medial Longitudinal Arch and Foot Function in Patients With Lipedema: A Cross-Sectional Study
Run by Marmara University · NCT07294014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tries to see if women with lipedema have flatter foot arches and worse foot function than age- and BMI-matched women with nonspecific foot pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Marmara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07294014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 or older who either have a clinical diagnosis of lipedema per Halk and Damstra with available bilateral lateral foot radiographs within the past year, or are age- and BMI-matched female controls with nonspecific foot pain and no suspicion of lipedema, able to read, consent, and attend a single visit at the study hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, illiterate, have diabetes, known rheumatologic disease or peripheral neuropathy, a history of lower-extremity fracture or orthopedic surgery, or lack recent bilateral lateral foot radiographs are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center, single-session case-control study compares women diagnosed with lipedema to age- and BMI-matched female controls presenting with nonspecific foot pain. Participants undergo review of bilateral lateral foot radiographs to measure Meary angle and calcaneal inclination angle, clinical Beighton scoring for generalized joint hypermobility, and validated questionnaires including the Foot Function Index and pain/function scales. The design is participant-blinded and excludes patients with diabetes, rheumatologic disease, neuropathy, prior lower-extremity surgery, or recent fractures. Objective radiographic angles and standardized clinical tools will be used to relate foot morphology and function to the presence of lipedema and hypermobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a link between lipedema and altered foot structure/function is found, clinicians could screen for arch problems earlier and tailor interventions such as orthotics or targeted physiotherapy to reduce pain and improve mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have suggested higher rates of joint hypermobility in lipedema, but systematic radiographic analysis of arch morphology in this population is limited, so this approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
General Inclusion Criteria (Apply to All Participants) * Female participants * Age 18 years or older * Able to read and write (literacy requirement) * Availability of bilateral lateral foot radiographs obtained within the past 1 year in the hospital PACS system * Willing and able to provide written and verbal informed consent Additional eligibility criteria for Lipedema Group \- Clinical diagnosis of lipedema according to Halk and Damstra criteria. Additional eligibility criteria for Control group: * Female patients presenting with nonspecific foot pain * Similar age and BMI range as the lipedema group * No clinical diagnosis or suspicion of lipedema Exclusion Criteria (Apply to all participants) * Pregnancy * Illiteracy * Inability or unwillingness to provide written and verbal informed consent * History of lower extremity fracture, trauma, or orthopedic surgery * Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus * Known rheumatologic disease * Known polyneuropathy or peripheral nerve injury affecting the lower extremities
Where it's running
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Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gökçenur Yalçın, M.D., PMR Specialist
- Email: gokce_cihaner@hotmail.com
- Phone: +90 216 414 05 45
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.