A Novel Approach to Plantar Fasciitis in the Aging Population

Description

The goal of this study is to determine whether improving foot strength through foot exercises and minimal footwear can provide improved outcomes over the short and long term. The main research question it aims to answer is: Can the minimal footwear intervention be used to improve the health of aging adults with plantar fasciitis?? Participants will be randomized into 2 groups. One group will receive minimal shoes and foot strengthening and foot flexibility exercises. The other group will receive supportive shoes, foot orthotic device and foot flexibility exercises. Participants' step count will also be monitored. Researchers will compare pain and physical function between the minimal footwear (MF) and the foot orthotic (FO) groups at each of the follow-up sessions.

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this study is to determine whether improving foot strength through foot exercises and minimal footwear can provide improved outcomes over the short and long term. The main research question it aims to answer is: Can the minimal footwear intervention be used to improve the health of aging adults with plantar fasciitis?? Participants will be randomized into 2 groups. One group will receive minimal shoes and foot strengthening and foot flexibility exercises. The other group will receive supportive shoes, foot orthotic device and foot flexibility exercises. Participants' step count will also be monitored. Researchers will compare pain and physical function between the minimal footwear (MF) and the foot orthotic (FO) groups at each of the follow-up sessions.

A Novel Approach to Plantar Fasciitis in the Aging Population

A Novel Approach to Plantar Fasciitis in the Aging Population

Condition
Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Tampa

University of South Flroida, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33612

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Having systemic disease such as diabetes, gout, arthritis, neuropathy, surgical reconstructions
  • 2. Having a history of heel surgery or had a steroid injection for heel pain in the past 6 months.
  • 3. Used foot orthoses less than 3 months before start date of study.
  • 4. Having used minimal shoes at any time in the past.
  • 5. No special or vulnerable populations will be recruited.

Ages Eligible for Study

50 Years to 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of South Florida,

Study Record Dates

2025-05-31