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 both the immediate analgesic effect after each treatment session and the sustained clinical benefits after completion of treatment and during follow-up. Ensure Safety: Monitor adverse events and treatment-related complications throughout the study to confirm 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 established diagnostic criteria. Disease Duration: Symptoms lasting less than two months, with no previous related treatment. Typical Symptoms: Participants experiencing characteristic medial plantar heel pain, especially during the first steps after rest, localized tenderness at the plantar fascia insertion, limited ankle dorsiflexion, and abnormal foot posture. Exclusions: Individuals with heel trauma, gout, osteomyelitis, inflammatory disorders, severe neurological deficits, contraindications to acupuncture, pregnancy, or serious systemic diseases (such as severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes). Primary Research Endpoint The primary endpoint is designed to determine whether Heel Pain Point acupuncture provides superior clinical benefit 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 after one complete treatment course. Pain Intensity: Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores will also be assessed to quantify pain reduction. Objective Functional Recovery: Three-dimensional gait analysis will be used to evaluate improvements in gait speed, single-leg stability, foot progression angle, initial contact angle, push-off angle, and ground clearance. Evaluation Timing: Primary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment sessions (5 and 10 minutes), throughout the treatment period, after completion of the seven-session treatment course, and at 2-month and 6-month follow-up visits. These assessments are designed to capture both immediate analgesic effects and sustained clinical outcomes.

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.