RecruitingNot Applicable

Barefoot Walking VS Standardised Conservative Care for Plantar Fasciopathy

Ireland74 participantsStarted 2026-05-07

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a barefoot walking programme can treat plantar fasciopathy (heel pain) in adults aged 18-70. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a barefoot walking programme reduce heel pain compared to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme? * Does a barefoot walking programme improve foot function and quality of life in adults with plantar fasciopathy? Researchers will compare a barefoot walking programme to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme to see if barefoot walking is an effective conservative management approach for plantar fasciopathy. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either a barefoot walking programme or a stretching and strengthening programme * Complete a 12-week home-based exercise programme * Complete short weekly questionnaires throughout the 12 weeks * Complete 3 follow-up surveys over 6 months after the intervention ends * Receive education on load management and plantar fasciopathy

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: * Aged 18-70 years; * Clinical diagnosis of Plantar Fasciopahty, defined by: a) Pain localised to the medial calcaneal tubercle of sharp or stabbing quality; b) Pain worst with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest (first-step pain); c) Pain reproduced with palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle OR positive Windlass Test; * Symptom duration greater than 4 weeks; * Able to walk independently without a mobility aid * Able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Prior surgery on the affected foot * Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological condition affecting lower limb sensation or motor control * Active inflammatory arthropathy, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided * Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or other acute foot or ankle injury on the affected side * Pregnancy during the intervention period * BMI greater than 40 kg/m² * Corticosteroid injection to the affected foot within the previous 3 months * Night splints initiated less than 4 weeks prior to enrolment * Any condition that would make participation unsafe, including open foot wounds

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

First-Step Pain

Timeframe: From the baseline assessment (Week 0) until end of intervention (Week 12)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07600229

SponsorElisabetta Brigo

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-10-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Plantar Fasciopathy trials