Semiconductor-embedded socks to help heal ankle sprains
Clinical Outcomes Related to Treatment of Ankle Injury Using Semiconductor Embedded Therapeutic Socks: A Randomized, Prospective, Double Blinded Clinical Study
This test will see if socks with embedded semiconductor fabric help adults (18–69) recover faster and have less pain and instability after non-surgical ankle sprains, avulsion fractures, or distal fibula fractures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT07025733 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study randomizes adults with non-surgically treated ankle sprains or related distal fibula injuries to wear either a semiconductor-embedded sock or a typical compression sock through a 12-week rehabilitation course. Participants will be asked to wear their assigned socks during the healing period and record symptoms and functional measures at set intervals. Outcomes will be compared between groups with follow-up measures collected up to one year to capture recovery and any re-injury or persistent symptoms. The goal is to determine whether the semiconductor fabric provides measurable improvements in pain, function, or recovery time versus standard compression garments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–69 with a recent non-surgically managed ankle sprain, avulsion fracture, or distal fibula fracture who can wear socks during rehabilitation are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, prior lower-limb surgery, chronic pain conditions, autoimmune or inflammatory disease, recent tobacco use, metabolic disorders, open wounds at the application site, or active infection are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these socks could reduce pain, speed functional recovery, and lower the chance of recurrent ankle problems during rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: This semiconductor-embedded sock approach is largely novel, and prior studies of compression garments and wearable therapies have shown mixed or limited benefits.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ankle sprain, avulsion fracture, distal fibular fracture * Pain for at least 1 day * Patients 18-69 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with neurological conditions * Patients with prior surgical treatment of lower limb injury * Patients with chronic pain conditions * Patient with auto-immune or auto-inflammatory disease * Patients with tobacco use in last 90 days * Patients with history of metabolic disorders * Patients with open wound at area of application * Patients with acute or systemic infection
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicholas Alfonso, MD — University of Colorado Department of Orthopedics
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: fahim.choudhury@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 3037243185
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.