PEMF therapy for heel spur pain
Official title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients With Symptomatic Plantar Calcaneal Spurs: A Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
Run by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital · NCT07919600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether pulsed electromagnetic field therapy helps reduce morning heel pain in adults with a plantar calcaneal spur, compared with a sham treatment while both groups do daily stretching.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Küçükçekmece, Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 29, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 29, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07919600 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18-65 with heel pain for at least 3 months and radiographically confirmed plantar calcaneal spur.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with history of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, recent foot surgery, or conditions listed in exclusion criteria may not benefit from PEMF in this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, sham-controlled trial enrolls 100 adults aged 18-65 with radiographically confirmed plantar calcaneal spurs and at least 3 months of heel pain. Participants are assigned 1:1 to active PEMF therapy or sham PEMF therapy, in addition to a standardized stretching program. Outcomes are measured at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, focusing on morning first-step pain, foot function, plantar fascia thickness by ultrasound, and pressure pain threshold. The study aims to determine if PEMF provides short- to medium-term pain relief and functional improvement beyond stretching alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PEMF therapy could reduce morning heel pain and improve foot function for people with plantar calcaneal spurs.
How similar studies have gone: Sham-controlled trials of PEMF in musculoskeletal conditions have shown mixed results; this study adds controlled evidence specifically for plantar calcaneal spurs.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
\*\*Inclusion Criteria:\*\* * Adults aged 18-65 years. * Heel pain persisting for at least 3 months. * Radiographically confirmed plantar calcaneal spur on lateral foot radiography. \*\*Exclusion Criteria:\*\* * Symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy or retrocalcaneal bursitis. * Partial or complete plantar fascia rupture. * Calcaneal stress or insufficiency fracture. * Heel fat pad syndrome or fat pad atrophy. * Tarsal tunnel syndrome or other peripheral neuropathies. * Foot pain associated with S1 radiculopathy. * Inflammatory rheumatic diseases or gout. * Active infection. * Malignancy. * Severe lower extremity deformity or previous calcaneal/foot surgery. * Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the plantar region within the previous 6 months. * Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) within the previous 6 months. * Requirement for regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesic medication. * Diabetes mellitus. * Significant peripheral vascular disease. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices.
Where it's running
-
Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR, MD
- Email: haticezehraferhatlar@gmail.com
- Phone: 05367387869
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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.