Testing a new herbal patch for treating plantar fasciitis

Effect of a Novel Herbal Patch for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis - A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05584046

This study is testing a new herbal patch to see if it can help people aged 18 to 65 with heel pain from plantar fasciitis feel better and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Sha Tin)
Trial IDNCT05584046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a novel herbal patch designed to alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis, a common and painful tendon overuse disorder. Participants aged 18 to 65 with heel pain lasting more than six weeks will be enrolled in a single-blind randomized controlled trial. The study aims to assess pain relief and functional improvement in patients using the herbal patch compared to a control. The trial will monitor outcomes using a visual analog scale (VAS) to measure pain levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18-65 experiencing unilateral or bilateral heel pain for over six weeks with a VAS score of 5 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases affecting bone metabolism or those who have had recent knee surgeries or injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive and effective option for patients suffering from plantar fasciitis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on herbal patches specifically for plantar fasciitis, other studies have shown promising results with alternative treatments for tendon injuries.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female with age 18-65
* Unilateral or bilateral
* Heel pain for more than 6 weeks' duration
* VAS score ≥ 5
* Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known chronic disease or receiving long-term medications affecting bone metabolism including BPs
* Contraindication to alendronate therapy such as poor dental fitness
* ACL injury less than 6 weeks
* Injury on duty cases
* Patients who have undergone arthroscopy or open surgery in the index knee in the last 12 months
* Other associated injuries (fractures and other ligament involvement such as neurovascular bundles injury)
* Chondral lesion with concomitant intervention
* Presence of X-ray features of osteoarthritis including decrease in joint space, presence of osteophytes and subchondral cysts
* Neurological deficit
* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Inability to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Sha Tin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Plantar Fasciitis, Herbal Patch

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.