Effects of Foot Rehabilitation And Minimalist Shoes on Pain, Strength, and Function in Adults With Plantar Fasciopathy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · Oct 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well a combination of foot rehabilitation exercises and wearing minimalist shoes can help adults with plantar fasciopathy, a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Over eight weeks, researchers want to see if this approach can reduce pain and improve how participants feel they can function, compared to those who are only doing rehabilitation exercises. They will also look at whether wearing minimalist shoes can help strengthen the small muscles in the foot, improve balance, and enhance walking patterns.

To be eligible for this study, you should be between 18 and 55 years old and have experienced heel pain, especially when you first get up in the morning, for at least a month. Participants will take part in the same rehabilitation exercises, which include massages, calf raises, and stretches, and will come into the lab at the beginning and end of the study for assessments. This trial is actively recruiting participants, and it’s a great opportunity for those struggling with plantar fasciopathy to potentially find relief and improve their foot health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Between ages of 18 - 55 years old
• • First-step pain in the morning over past week - Visual Analog Score between 30-70 mm
• • Heel pain for at least a month with an insidious onset
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Other current lower extremity neuromusculoskeletal injury
• • Other lower extremity neuromusculoskeletal injuries other than the foot in the past 3 months
• • Previous history of foot/ankle fractures or surgeries
• • Current participation in formal rehab for plantar fasciopathy
• • Previous minimalist shoe experience