This study investigates whether focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (fESWT) helps people with chronic heel pain, commonly known as plantar fasciitis. Many patients suffer from this condition for more than six months without relief.
The study compares two groups: one receiving fESWT treatment plus a specific exercise program, and a "wait-list" group that only performs the exercises at first. The shockwave treatment uses precise sound waves targeted at the painful area to stimulate the body's natural healing process.
Researchers will measure if the treatment reduces pain and improves the patient's ability to walk and perform daily activities. Additionally, ultrasound will be used to see if the thickness of the plantar fascia (the tissue under the foot) decreases and returns to a healthier state. The goal is to confirm if fESWT provides a faster and more effective recovery than exercise alone.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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:
* Male or female aged between 18 and 70 years. Diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciopathy with symptoms persisting for more than 6 months.
Presence of plantar fascia (PF) thickness \> 4.0 mm, confirmed by high-resolution ultrasound.
Clinical history of localized pain at the medial calcaneal tubercle, specifically upon first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest.
Failure of previous conservative treatments (e.g., stretching, orthotics, or medication).
Ability to follow the High-Load Strength Training (HLST) exercise protocol.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous treatment with shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections in the affected foot within the last 6 months.
Previous surgery for plantar heel pain.
Presence of systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
Pregnancy.
Coagulopathies or use of anticoagulant medication.
Local infection or presence of skin lesions at the application site.
Known or suspected malignancy in the treatment area.
Presence of neurological conditions or peripheral neuropathy (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome).
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
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: baseline,4,8 and 12 weeks
2
Plantar Fascia (PF) Thickness
Timeframe: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.