Using pulsed electromagnetic fields to treat foot pain from complex regional pain syndrome

PEMFS in Patients With CRPS-I of the Foot and Ankle: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari · NCT05922618

This study tests if a new therapy using pulsed electromagnetic fields can help people with foot pain from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome feel better and recover faster when combined with regular rehabilitation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAzienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari (other)
Locations1 site (Bari)
Trial IDNCT05922618 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of I-ONE® therapy combined with standard rehabilitation for patients suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS-I) affecting the foot or ankle. It is a spontaneous, prospective, randomized study that includes a control group to assess functional and clinical improvements. Participants will receive local biophysical stimulation alongside their rehabilitation treatment to optimize recovery outcomes. The study aims to determine if this combined approach leads to better pain management and functional recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with type I CRPS affecting the foot or ankle, experiencing moderate to severe pain.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological pathologies or those with type II CRPS will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve pain management and functional recovery for patients with CRPS-I of the foot or ankle.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using pulsed electromagnetic fields for pain management, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of type I CRPS according to the Budapest criteria (table 1)
* Type I CRPS involving the ankle or foot
* Onset of CRPS type I up to a maximum of 3 years after the symptomatic event
* Pain on visual analog scale (VAS) scale quantified as intensity at least ≥ 5 at recruitment
* Pharmacological treatment with first infusion cycle of neridronate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological pathologies (stroke, degenerative, traumatic pathologies)
* Local neurological impairment (type II CRPS), confirmed by a conduction test or similar
* Cardiac pacemaker, treatment site malignancy

Where this trial is running

Bari

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: Pain, Joint, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Ankle Disease, Foot Diseases, foot, ankle

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.