Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Chronic Plantar Fasciopathy
50 participantsStarted 2007-10
Plain-language summary
Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) has been previously demonstrated as an efficient treatment option for heel pain associated with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis when administered in three sessions. The present study tested the hypothesis that heel pain associated with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis can also be treated successfully with rESWT when only two treatment sessions are performed.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults over the age of 18 years
* Diagnosis of painful heel syndrome by clinical examination, with the following positive clinical signs: (i) pain in the morning or after sitting a long time; (ii) local pain where the fascia attaches to the heel; and (iii) increasing pain with extended walking or standing for more than 15 minutes
* History of six months of unsuccessful conservative treatment
* Therapy free period of at least four weeks before referral
* Signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Bilateral plantar fasciitis
* Dysfunction of foot or ankle (for example, instability)
* Arthrosis or arthritis of the foot
* Infections or tumors of the lower extremity
* Neurological abnormalities, nerve entrapment (for example, tarsal tunnel syndrome)
* Vascular abnormality (for example, severe varicosities, chronic ischemia)
* Operative treatments of the heel spur
* Hemorrhagic disorders and anticoagulant therapy
* Pregnancy
* Diabetes
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pain (VAS score)
Timeframe: Change from Baseline Pain Score (VAS) at 6 months.