QUANTIFY: Quantitative Understanding of Advanced Novel Techniques for Imaging Fasciitis and Yielding Biomarkers

Launched by RUTH CHIMENTI · Jan 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The QUANTIFY trial is studying a new test designed to better detect and measure issues in muscle and fascia tissue related to conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy, which can cause pain in the foot and ankle. The goal of the study is to improve how these conditions are managed by using advanced imaging techniques to get a clearer picture of what’s happening in the body. This research could lead to more personalized treatments for people suffering from these types of pain.

To participate in the study, you should be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have been diagnosed with either plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy for at least three months, with a pain level of 3 out of 10 or higher. There is also a control group for people of similar age and health who do not have these conditions. Participants will undergo imaging tests, and while the study will not involve any invasive procedures, it’s important to note that those with certain medical conditions or recent foot injuries may not be eligible. If you meet the criteria, this trial offers a chance to contribute to important research that could enhance pain management for others in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria for plantar fasciitis group:
• • Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
• • Duration of plantar fasciitis pain greater than or equal to 3 months
• • Severity of plantar fasciitis pain greater than or equal to 3/10
• Inclusion criteria for Achilles tendinopathy group:
• * Clinical diagnosis of insertional Achilles tendinopathy:
• • Duration of Achilles tendinopathy pain greater than or equal to 3 months
• • Severity of Achilles tendon pain greater than or equal to 3/10
• Control group:
• • • Similar age, sex, and BMI as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy groups
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Younger than 18 years of age
• • History of an invasive procedures to the foot and ankle or history of lower extremity injections within past 3 months
• • Contraindications for MRI (e.g. non-MR compatible implanted devices, claustrophobia, inability to remain still comfortably for 1 hour in a supine position, body size too large for MR scanner)
• • Clinically unstable medical or psychiatric issues
• • Co-morbidities associated with changes in musculoskeletal imaging, including rheumatological conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy), osteoarthritis of the foot or ankle, diabetes, neuromuscular diseases (e.g., Charcot-Marie-Tooth), familial hypercholesterolemia, history of foot or ankle fracture, neoplasms involving the foot, plantar fibromatosis, recent (within the past 1 year) infection of the foot or ankle (e.g., infectious fasciitis, calcaneal osteomyelitis).
• • Control group only: Persistent or recurrent leg pain in the past 6 months
• • Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy groups only: Other source of heel or foot pain (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, lumbar radiculopathy, calcaneal stress fracture, Morton's neuroma, fibromyalgia) or co-occurring plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.