The main goal of this study is to determine whether acupuncture at the Heel Pain Point, a distal acupuncture point located on the palm, is an effective and safe treatment for heel pain syndrome. This randomized controlled trial compares Heel Pain Point acupuncture with manual therapy and sham acupuncture to evaluate both clinical efficacy and functional recovery. Specifically, the researchers aim to: Measure Pain Relief: Evaluate whether Heel Pain Point acupuncture provides greater pain reduction than manual therapy and sham acupuncture using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Assess Walking Function: Determine whether the intervention improves gait performance and foot function through three-dimensional gait analysis and the Maryland Foot Score. Evaluate Immediate and Long-term Effects: Examine both the immediate analgesic effect after each treatment session and the sustained clinical benefits after completion of treatment and during follow-up. Ensure Safety: Monitor adverse events and treatment-related complications throughout the study to confirm the safety of the intervention. Target Population The study is recruiting participants who meet the following criteria: Age: Adults between 40 and 70 years. Diagnosis: Individuals diagnosed with heel pain syndrome (primarily plantar fasciitis) according to established diagnostic criteria. Disease Duration: Symptoms lasting less than two months, with no previous related treatment. Typical Symptoms: Participants experiencing characteristic medial plantar heel pain, especially during the first steps after rest, localized tenderness at the plantar fascia insertion, limited ankle dorsiflexion, and abnormal foot posture. Exclusions: Individuals with heel trauma, gout, osteomyelitis, inflammatory disorders, severe neurological deficits, contraindications to acupuncture, pregnancy, or serious systemic diseases (such as severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes). Primary Research Endpoint The primary endpoint is designed to determine whether Heel Pain Point acupuncture provides superior clinical benefit compared with manual therapy and sham acupuncture. Pain Response Rate: The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of participants achieving at least a 50% reduction in VAS pain score from baseline after one complete treatment course. Pain Intensity: Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores will also be assessed to quantify pain reduction. Objective Functional Recovery: Three-dimensional gait analysis will be used to evaluate improvements in gait speed, single-leg stability, foot progression angle, initial contact angle, push-off angle, and ground clearance. Evaluation Timing: Primary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment sessions (5 and 10 minutes), throughout the treatment period, after completion of the seven-session treatment course, and at 2-month and 6-month follow-up visits. These assessments are designed to capture both immediate analgesic effects and sustained clinical outcomes.
Age range
40 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
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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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
The response rate at 5 minutes after the first intervention (defined as the proportion of subjects achieving a ≥ 50% reduction in VAS scores from baseline).
Timeframe: 14 days
Three-dimensional Gait Analysis
Timeframe: The aforementioned outcome measures will be recorded and evaluated at baseline, 5 minutes after the first intervention, on days 3, 5, ..., 13, and at 2 and 6 months post-treatment.