~15 spots leftby Jan 2026

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen byKristina Quirolgico, MD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Inflammation of the plantar fascia is known as plantar fasciitis and is commonly seen in active or overweight individuals. It can be treated via conservative or surgical therapies. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has shown promise in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Several studies have compared the effects of different types of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (radial and focused) with other forms of conservative treatment in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. No study has yet compared the effect of radial vs. focused shockwave therapy on pain in this population.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis, experiencing significant morning pain or discomfort after long periods of standing/walking. They should have had the condition for over 3 months and found other treatments ineffective. People with recent platelet-rich plasma injections, infections, rheumatologic or systemic inflammatory disorders, bone diseases in the lower extremity, coagulopathies, calcaneal fractures, nerve issues, tendon ruptures or previous foot surgery are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking
My pain level is at least 4 out of 10 when I walk or stand for a long time.
I have had chronic plantar fasciitis for over 3 months that hasn't improved with treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a condition that causes long-term inflammation in my body.
I have a trapped nerve.
I have had a tendon rupture.
+11 more

Participant Groups

The study is testing two types of shockwave therapy—radial and focused—to see which one better reduces pain from chronic plantar fasciitis compared to home therapy. It's a randomized controlled trial (RCT), meaning participants will be randomly assigned to receive either radial shockwave therapy, focused shockwave therapy or continue with their home therapy regimen.
3Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: ControlActive Control1 Intervention
Patients in the control group will be treated using the home therapy protocol only.
Group II: Radial shockwave therapyActive Control3 Interventions
Patients will receive 4 sessions of radial shockwave therapy.
Group III: Focused shockwave therapyActive Control3 Interventions
Patients will receive 4 sessions of focused shockwave therapy.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Hospital for Special SurgeryNew York, NY
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hospital for Special Surgery, New YorkLead Sponsor

References