Botulinum Toxin A Versus Steroids for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

December 9, 2024 updated by: Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern

Botulinum Toxin A Versus Steroids for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: a Randomized Controlled Study

Plantar fasciitis is the classic and most common type of heel pain. Considering the costs for health care and the temporary disability not only for work, plantar fasciitis results in a substantial (and at least partially unnecessary) burden for the Swiss health care system and national economics.

Nonoperative treatment is the mainstay of treating plantar fasciitis. However, so far no treatment has proven to be superior to others, and there is national and international lack of consensus of how to treat plantar fasciitis best.

The investigators believe that the BTX-A injection in the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles is currently the most promising non-operative approach, because it is considered to treat the disease at its origin (temporary weakening of the tight triceps surae muscle) as opposed to simply alleviate the symptoms (e.g. plantar cortisone and other injections, ESWT).

However, to date there is no evidence in the literature that compares the new, promising technique of BTX-A injection into the gastroc-soleus complex to a sham (saline) injection and to the gold standard steroid injection at the plantar fascia insertion site. With the intended study, this gap is going to be closed.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Background

Plantar fasciitis is the classic and most common type of heel pain. Extrapolating the rate of 2 million or 0.6% of the US American population being treated for plantar fasciitis every year to Switzerland, the corresponding number of patients would amount to 50'000 patients being treated for plantar fasciitis. Considering the costs for health care and the temporary disability not only for work, plantar fasciitis results in a substantial (and at least partially unnecessary) burden for the Swiss health care system and national economics.

Nonoperative treatment is the mainstay of treating plantar fasciitis. In the literature, numerous operative and nonoperative treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis have been suggested. However, so far no treatment has proven to be superior to others, and there is national and international lack of consensus of how to treat plantar fasciitis best. Numerous prescriptions for unnecessary orthoses, expensive and painful shock waves, and complications following steroid injection could be obviated, when the safe BTX-A injection demonstrates good results.

The investigators believe that the BTX-A injection in the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles is currently the most promising non-operative approach, because it is considered to treat the disease at its origin (temporary weakening of the tight triceps surae muscle) as opposed to simply alleviate the symptoms (e.g. plantar cortisone and other injections, ESWT).

The high number of level I and II studies suggests that there is need for clarification and evaluation of the efficacy of several non-operative and operative treatment approaches for the chronic plantar fasciitis. However, to date there is no evidence in the literature that compares the new, promising technique of BTX-A injection into the gastroc-soleus complex to a sham (saline) injection and to the gold standard steroid injection at the plantar fascia insertion site. With the intended study, this gap is going to be closed. Objective evaluation of the BTX-A efficacy includes the randomized allocation of patients to the BTX-A, the steroid, or the saline group, the blinded comparison to the sham (saline) injection, and finally the MRI assessment at the beginning and at the end of the followup. With the evidence resulting from this study, patients can be superiorly counseled in the future with regard to efficacy of nonoperative treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Objective

Plantar fasciitis is the classic and most common type of heel pain. Considering the costs for health care and the temporary disability not only for work, plantar fasciitis results in a substantial (and at least partially unnecessary) burden for the Swiss health care system and national economics. However, so far no treatment has proven to be superior to others, and there is national and international lack of consensus of how to treat plantar fasciitis best.

Methods

Patients are randomly allocated to three groups (1 - 3).

- Patient group 1 - combination of physiotherapy, stretching exercises according to DiGiovanni et al and BTX-A injection into the gastroc-soleus complex: One hundred units (U) of toxin are applied to each muscle belly, and 1 application of 50 U is administered to the soleus, making a total of 250 U.

  • Patient group 2 - physiotherapy, stretching exercises according to DiGiovanni combined with cortisone injection into the plantar fascia
  • Patient group 3 - physiotherapy, stretching exercises according to DiGiovanni and saline injection into the gastroc-soleus complex (sham control group)

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
54

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

  • Switzerland
      • Berne, Switzerland, 3010
        • Recruiting
        • Dep, of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inselspital, University of Berne
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Fabian Krause, PD Dr.
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Maziar Shafighi, PD Dr.
      • Lucerne, Switzerland, 6000
        • Recruiting
        • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kantonsspital Lucerne
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Lukas Iselin, Dr.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 60 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Clinical symptoms of a plantar fasciitis
  • Plantar fasciitis in MRI
  • Exclusion of differential diagnoses
  • Symptoms more than 3 months
  • Absolution of 3 months unsuccessful treatment
  • Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

  • Active differential diagnoses
  • Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding, infection at injection sites, allergy against BTX-A
  • Previous injections or surgery for plantar fasciitis
  • Neurological diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Active Comparator: BTX-A
Botulinum A toxin is injected each 100 U in both gastrocnemius muscle-bellies and 50 U in the soleus muscle, i.e. a total of 250 U.
Drug: Botulinum toxin A

Researchers discovered in the 1950s that injecting overactive muscles with minute quantities of botulinum toxin type-A would result in decreased muscle activity. Botulinum toxin type-A has this effect because it prevents the vesicle where the acetylcholine is stored from binding to the membrane where the neurotransmitter can be released. Botulinum toxin type-A thus blocks the release of acetylcholine by the neuron. This will effectively weaken the muscle for a period of three to four months.

In addition to its cosmetic applications, Botox is currently used in the treatment of spasms and dystonias, by weakening involved muscles, for the 60-70 day effective period of the drug. The main conditions treated with botulinum toxin are: Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck), Blepharospasm (excessive blinking) etc..
Active Comparator: Cortisone
Depot Medrol is injected at the plantar fascia insertion site at the calcaneus
Drug: cortisone
Placebo Comparator: Saline
Placebo saline is injected in both gastrocnemius muscle-bellies and in the soleus muscle
Drug: Saline

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change from baseline in foot pain
Time Frame: at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Measured by VAS FA subjective foot score
at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change from baseline in patient health
Time Frame: at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Measured by SF 36
at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Change from baseline in pain, disability and activity restriction in foot
Time Frame: at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Measured by foot functional index FFI
at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
General pain
Time Frame: at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Measured by VAS pain scale
at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Reduction of inflammation
Time Frame: pre-intervention and at 12 months
Measured by MRI
pre-intervention and at 12 months
Number of patients with complications
Time Frame: at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Change from baseline in ankle range of motion
Time Frame: at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months
Measured by goniometer
at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 (24) months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
Luzerner Kantonsspital

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Fabian Krause, PD Dr., Dep. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inselspital, University of Berne, Freiburgstrasse, 3010 Berne, Switzerland

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
July 1, 2016

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
December 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
July 17, 2014

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 18, 2014

First Posted (Estimated)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
July 21, 2014

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
December 10, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
December 9, 2024

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
December 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 32003B_152671

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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