Clinical Research Directory

Acupuncture for Heel Pain Syndrome

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 the immediate analgesic effect after each treatment session and the sustained clinical benefits after completion of treatment and at the 3-month follow-up. Ensure Safety: Monitor adverse events and treatment-related complications throughout the study to evaluate 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 the established diagnostic criteria. Disease Duration: No specific restriction on disease duration is stated; however, participants must not have received related treatment within the preceding 2 months. Typical Symptoms: Participants with characteristic medial plantar heel pain, particularly during the first steps after rest, localized tenderness at the calcaneal attachment of the plantar fascia, a positive Windlass test, limited ankle dorsiflexion, or abnormal foot posture. Exclusions: Individuals with gout, heel trauma, osteomyelitis, purulent inflammation, severe neurological deficits, conditions that may interfere with outcome assessment, contraindications to acupuncture, a history of adverse reactions to acupuncture, pregnancy or plans to conceive, or other conditions considered unsuitable by the investigators. Primary Research Endpoint The primary endpoint is designed to determine whether Heel Pain Point acupuncture provides superior immediate pain relief 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 at 10 minutes after the first intervention. Pain Intensity: Changes in VAS scores will be assessed at baseline, 10 minutes after each of the seven treatment sessions, and 3 months after completion of the treatment course. Objective Functional Recovery: Three-dimensional gait analysis will evaluate changes in gait speed, single-leg stance stability, foot axis and progression angle, initial contact angle, push-off angle, and ground clearance. Foot function will also be assessed using the Maryland Foot Score. Evaluation Timing: VAS scores and three-dimensional gait parameters will be assessed at baseline, 10 minutes after each treatment session, and at the 3-month follow-up. Clinical efficacy and Maryland Foot Scores will be assessed at baseline, after completion of the seven-session treatment course, and at the 3-month follow-up.

Observational Study - Heel Syndrome and Relationship to Flexor Retinacular Ligament Thickness

Numerous studies have examined the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and the thickness of the flexor retinacular ligament. This varies along the course of the median nerve (the distal portion being the thickest) and increases with age. These studies have shown that the thickness of the ligament is greater in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, without, however, demonstrating that it is related to the onset of this syndrome. According to Bartolomé-Villar, it may rather influence the onset of carpal pain. The objective of this study is to determine whether a relationship exists between the thickness of the flexor retinacular ligament and the development of heel syndrome in the postoperative period for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Effect of Kaltenborn vs Mulligan Mobilization With Intrinsic Foot Strengthening in Plantar Fasciitis

This study will compare the effects of Kaltenborn and Mulligan ankle mobilization techniques, combined with intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, on pain, functional status, and dorsiflexion range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis. Eighty-two participants with chronic heel pain will be randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive standard care including ultrasound therapy, stretching, and cryotherapy, while Group A will receive Kaltenborn mobilization and Group B will receive Mulligan mobilization. Pain, function, and ankle range of motion will be assessed at baseline and after three weeks of treatment.