Focused Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciopathy

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Plantar Fascitis, Chronic Plantar Fasciitis, Fasciitis

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07471035

Run by

Sierra Varona SL

People needed

20

Starts

2026-04-15

Expected to finish

2027-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-20

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Male or female aged between 18 and 70 years. Diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciopathy with symptoms persisting for more than 6 months.
• Presence of plantar fascia (PF) thickness > 4.0 mm, confirmed by high-resolution ultrasound.
• Clinical history of localized pain at the medial calcaneal tubercle, specifically upon first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest.
• Failure of previous conservative treatments (e.g., stretching, orthotics, or medication).
• Ability to follow the High-Load Strength Training (HLST) exercise protocol.

You may not qualify if…

• Previous treatment with shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections in the affected foot within the last 6 months.
• Previous surgery for plantar heel pain.
• Presence of systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
• Pregnancy.
• Coagulopathies or use of anticoagulant medication.
• Local infection or presence of skin lesions at the application site.
• Known or suspected malignancy in the treatment area.
• Presence of neurological conditions or peripheral neuropathy (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome).

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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