Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Focused Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciopathy
Sponsor: Sierra Varona SL
Summary
This study investigates whether focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (fESWT) helps people with chronic heel pain, commonly known as plantar fasciitis. Many patients suffer from this condition for more than six months without relief. The study compares two groups: one receiving fESWT treatment plus a specific exercise program, and a "wait-list" group that only performs the exercises at first. The shockwave treatment uses precise sound waves targeted at the painful area to stimulate the body's natural healing process. Researchers will measure if the treatment reduces pain and improves the patient's ability to walk and perform daily activities. Additionally, ultrasound will be used to see if the thickness of the plantar fascia (the tissue under the foot) decreases and returns to a healthier state. The goal is to confirm if fESWT provides a faster and more effective recovery than exercise alone.
Official title: Focused ESWT vs. Wait-list Management for Plantar Fasciopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Pain, Function, and Ultrasonographic Plantar Fascia Thickness
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 70 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-04-15
Completion Date
2027-06-30
Last Updated
2026-03-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
fESWT
Three weekly sessions of focused shockwave therapy. Each session consists of 2,000 pulses at a frequency of 5-8 Hz. The Energy Flux Density (EFD) is titrated between 0.10 and 0.30 mJ/mm2 based on patient tolerance. The "point-and-shoot" technique is applied to the site of maximal tenderness.
Wait-list Control: Exercise Only
Participants assigned to this arm will undergo a wait-list period of 4 weeks during which they only perform the standardized High-Load Strength Training (HLST) program. The HLST consists of progressive unilateral heel-rise exercises performed every other day. This group serves as a comparative control to assess the clinical and structural changes (plantar fascia thickness) without the addition of shockwave therapy during the initial phase. After the primary 4-week assessment is completed, participants in this arm are offered the same focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (fESWT) protocol as the experimental group for ethical reasons.