Semiconductor-embedded socks to help heal ankle sprains
Official title: Clinical Outcomes Related to Treatment of Ankle Injury Using Semiconductor Embedded Therapeutic Socks: A Randomized, Prospective, Double Blinded Clinical Study
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07025733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07025733 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: This semiconductor-embedded sock approach is largely novel, and prior studies of compression garments and wearable therapies have shown mixed or limited benefits.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.