Actively Recruiting
Is There an Association Between Gastrocnemius Tightness and Foot- and Leg Pain in Children?
Led by St. Olavs Hospital · Updated on 2025-06-05
200
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
St. Olavs Hospital
Lead Sponsor
N
National Taiwan Normal University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Foot and leg pain is a common concern among otherwise healthy children referred to pediatric orthopaedic clinics. This research aims to study the possible link between gastrocnemius tightness—a condition where the calf muscle limits ankle movement—and foot or leg pain in children. The project will compare children with pain to a control group without pain to understand if tightness is more frequent and how pain and muscle tightness change over time. The goal is to help develop better treatment options for children with these symptoms, as current evidence is limited. Children referred with foot and leg pain and a similar group without pain will undergo clinical examinations. Researchers will measure gastrocnemius tightness using the Silvferskiöld test and collect information on height, weight, gender, and age. Children with pain and their parents will complete questionnaires about ankle and foot symptoms, and pain intensity will be tracked over one week. There is no drug or invasive treatment involved; this is an observational study focused on clinical assessments. Participants will have their gastrocnemius tightness and other characteristics evaluated at the start and over a two-year period. Questionnaires will help capture the impact of pain on the child and family. The main measurement is the Silvferskiöld test, which assesses ankle flexibility under different knee positions. The study is conducted by St. Olavs Hospital and aims to provide new insights to improve care for children experiencing foot and leg pain. Total participation duration and specific follow-up schedules are determined by the study protocol.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Gastrocnemius Tightness and Foot Pain in Children
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Otherwise healthy children referred to pediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic with foot and/or leg pain
- Normal leg function
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients with foot deformities such as cavo-varus foot or clubfoot
- Presence of tarsal coalitions
- Neuro-orthopedic conditions including cerebral palsy or myelomeningocele
- Sequelae from fractures
- Infections or tumors affecting the foot
- Clinical findings requiring further diagnostic investigation for other diagnoses
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo clinical examinations including Silvferskiölds test, height, weight, and demographic measurements to assess gastrocnemius tightness and foot and leg pain.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 years
Participants are observed over 2 years to evaluate outcomes related to gastrocnemius tightness and foot and leg pain.
Pain scoring over 1 week and periodic questionnaire assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
St Olavs hospital
Trondheim, Norway
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tina Wik
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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