Carlow

Researchers are evaluating if a barefoot walking program can help treat plantar fasciopathy, a condition causing heel pain, in adults aged 18 to 70 years. The study aims to find out whether barefoot walking reduces heel pain more effectively than a standard stretching and strengthening routine, and if it improves foot function and quality of life. This pragmatic randomized controlled trial compares these two conservative management approaches to better understand their effects on plantar fasciopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will follow a 12-week home-based barefoot walking program on grass, gradually increasing walking duration and frequency, along with education on plantar fasciopathy and load management. The other group will complete a 12-week home-based stretching and strengthening program focused on the plantar fascia, calf, foot, and lower limb muscles, also with education provided. Both groups will track adherence and symptoms weekly using short questionnaires. During the study, participants will complete weekly questionnaires over the 12-week exercise period and three follow-up surveys up to six months after finishing the intervention. Researchers will measure first-step pain, foot function, adherence, cost-effectiveness, and any adverse events throughout the intervention and follow-up. Education on load management will be provided to all participants. The total involvement spans from baseline through 12 weeks of intervention and six months of follow-up to assess outcomes comprehensively.