Acupuncture for Heel Pain Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

The main goal of this study is to determine if a specific acupuncture technique-targeting a "heel pain point" located on the hand-is an effective and safe way to treat heel pain. Specifically, the researchers want to:

Measure Pain Relief: Evaluate how effectively the treatment reduces pain levels.

Check Physical Function: Determine if the treatment helps patients walk and move more comfortably.

Ensure Safety: Track any side effects or adverse reactions to confirm the treatment is safe for patients.

Target Population

The study is looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

Age: Adults between 40 and 70 years old. Diagnosis: Individuals diagnosed with heel pain (plantar fasciitis). Duration: People who have had the pain for less than two months and have not recently received other related treatments.

Typical Symptoms: Individuals who experience significant pain during their first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time.

Exclusions: The study excludes people with recent foot injuries, gout, or serious underlying health conditions such as severe diabetes or heart disease.

Primary Research Endpoint

The "Primary Endpoint" is the specific result the researchers use to decide if the treatment was successful:

The 50% Reduction Goal: The study measures the "response rate," which is the percentage of patients whose pain score decreases by at least 50% compared to their starting pain level.

Evaluation Timing: This success measure is evaluated after the patient completes one full course of treatment, which consists of 10 sessions given over approximately 20 days.

Conditions

• Heel Pain Syndrome

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Acupuncture

The patient is instructed to sit with both hands fully exposed. The practitioner applies the non-woven hollow patch over the skin. Using a 0.3 × 40 mm sterile filiform needle, the practitioner pierces the hollow patch and inserts the needle obliquely downward at a 30°-45° angle to the skin, reaching a depth of 10-15 mm at the heel pain point. An even reinforcing and reducing manipulation (Ping Bu Ping Xie) is applied with small-amplitude, uniform lifting, thrusting, and twirling. Needle insertion stops upon the arrival of Deqi (sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, or pain). The patient is instructed to move, rotate, and stomp the affected heel for 1-2 minutes. After stomping, manipulation ceases; once the numbness in the foot subsides, the patient may stand or walk slowly to assess pain relief. During the procedure, the patient should concentrate on the heel pain, and the operator will periodically monitor for any discomfort. Needles are retained for approximately 15 minutes, a

PROCEDURE

Manual Therapy

The patient is positioned supine with the affected lower limb completely relaxed. 1. Kneading and pressing techniques are applied to the affected area using the thumb, with intensity tailored to patient tolerance; focus is placed on localized cord-like structures or fibrous nodules for 5-10 min per session. 2. Horizontal Stretching: With the patient supine and the lower limb extended, the practitioner stabilizes the heel with one hand and pushes the forefoot with the base of the other palm, maximally dorsiflexing the ankle until tension is felt in the Achilles tendon and triceps surae. This stretch is performed 5-10 times for 30 seconds each. 3. Straight-Leg Raise Stretching: The practitioner elevates the affected limb while maintaining knee extension. With the left hand on the heel and the right hand gripping the forefoot, the practitioner leans backward to dorsiflex the ankle until gastrocnemius tension is felt. 4. Ankle Rotation: Building upon step (3), the right han

OTHER

Sham Acupuncture

Preparation is identical to the acupuncture group. The filiform needle is placed against the skin at a 30°-45° angle through the hollow patch but does not penetrate the skin. A secondary patch is applied to secure the needle flat against the skin surface. No needle manipulation is performed. The patient is instructed to sit quietly without movement to prevent inadvertent skin penetration. Needles are retained for 15 minutes. Conducted every other day, with ten sessions constituting one therapeutic course.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-09-01

Primary Completion

2027-10-30

Completion

2027-10-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations