Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a barefoot walking programme can treat plantar fasciopathy (heel pain) in adults aged 18-70. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does a barefoot walking programme reduce heel pain compared to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme?
- Does a barefoot walking programme improve foot function and quality of life in adults with plantar fasciopathy?
Researchers will compare a barefoot walking programme to a standardised stretching and strengthening programme to see if barefoot walking is an effective conservative management approach for plantar fasciopathy.
Participants will:
- Be randomly assigned to either a barefoot walking programme or a stretching and strengthening programme
- Complete a 12-week home-based exercise programme
- Complete short weekly questionnaires throughout the 12 weeks
- Complete 3 follow-up surveys over 6 months after the intervention ends
- Receive education on load management and plantar fasciopathy
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18-70 years;
- Clinical diagnosis of Plantar Fasciopahty, defined by: a) Pain localised to the medial calcaneal tubercle of sharp or stabbing quality; b) Pain worst with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest (first-step pain); c) Pain reproduced with palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle OR positive Windlass Test;
- Symptom duration greater than 4 weeks;
- Able to walk independently without a mobility aid
- Able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol
Exclusion Criteria:
- Prior surgery on the affected foot
- Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological condition affecting lower limb sensation or motor control
- Active inflammatory arthropathy, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided
- Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or other acute foot or ankle injury on the affected side
- Pregnancy during the intervention period
- BMI greater than 40 kg/m²
- Corticosteroid injection to the affected foot within the previous 3 months
- Night splints initiated less than 4 weeks prior to enrolment
- Any condition that would make participation unsafe, including open foot wounds
