HeEL Pain Pathways Feasibility Study

Launched by CARDIFF AND VALE UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD · May 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The HeEL Pain Pathways Feasibility Study is a research project designed to explore the best ways to treat heel pain, specifically plantar fasciitis. Right now, there isn't a clear answer on which treatments work best, so this study will test different combinations of commonly used treatments available in NHS clinics. While no new or experimental methods will be tested, the focus is on gathering information about the study process itself to prepare for a larger trial in the future. Participants will be asked to fill out questionnaires and keep a diary about their experiences for about six months. Some may also join interviews or group discussions to provide more feedback.

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have noticeable heel pain in one or both feet. It’s important that you can read, speak, and understand English or Welsh, and have access to the internet or a DVD player, with any needed tech help from family or friends. However, if you have certain medical conditions or have recently received specific treatments, you may not be eligible. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it’s a great opportunity for those suffering from heel pain to contribute to important research that could help improve treatment options in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 years or over
• • Have symptomatic heel pain (in one or both feet)
• • Able to speak, read and understand written and spoken English or Welsh
• • Able to provide remote informed consent
• • Access to internet and email, or DVD player, with technical support from family, friends or carers if necessary.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Taken part in a prescribed exercise intervention or used prescribed insoles (past 3 months)
• • History of major trauma or fracture of the lower leg or below ankle surgery
• • Heel pain secondary to a systemic condition/syndrome/malignancy
• • Requires ankle-foot orthoses or lower limb device (splint)
• • Diabetes or peripheral neuropathy
• • History of inflammatory joint disease or autoimmune condition
• • Chronic pain syndrome
• • Pregnancy
• • Pacemaker or other electrical implant
• • Blood clotting disorder (haemophilia), blood clot (thrombosis), or current use of anticoagulant medication
• • Cortisone injection therapy within the last two weeks
• • Unable to complete exercises in self-help resources.