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New treatment option for Achilles Tendinopathy
Official title Electrical DN as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercise, Stretching + MT for Achilles Tendinopathy
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03968614
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with achilles tendinopathy: eccentric exercise, stretching and manual therapy VS Electric dry needling, eccentric exercise, stretching and manual therapy. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat achilles tendinopathy.
- Time commitment: about 6 weeks
- Which group you join is decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 and older
You may be able to join if
- Adult \>18 years old that is able to speak English.
- Report of at least 3 months of Achilles pain clinically diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy
- Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for Achilles pain in the last 6 months:
- Diagnosis of noninsertional tendinopathy, defined as the following
- Subjective report of pain located 2-6 cm proximal to the insertion of Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, particularly with running or jumping
You likely can't join if
- Report of red flags to manual physical therapy to include: hypertension infection, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic...
- History of previous Achilles tendon surgery, ankle arthrodesis, hind foot fracture, or leg length discrepancy of more than one half inch.
- History of arthrosis or arthritis of the ankle and/or foot.
- History of significant ankle and/or foot instability
- Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression, including any two of the following:
- Muscle weakness involving a major lower extremity muscle group
See the full eligibility criteria
- Adult \>18 years old that is able to speak English.
- Report of at least 3 months of Achilles pain clinically diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy
- Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for Achilles pain in the last 6 months:
- Diagnosis of noninsertional tendinopathy, defined as the following
- Subjective report of pain located 2-6 cm proximal to the insertion of Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, particularly with running or jumping
- Tenderness to palpation of the Achilles tendon while the clinician gently squeezes the tendon between the thumb and index finger in a proximal to distal direction
- Positive Arc Sign - Intratendinous swelling moves relative to the malleoli with the tendon during active dorsi/plantar Flexion
- Royal London Test - Tenderness to palpation decreases significantly or disappears with max dorsiflexion
- Report of red flags to manual physical therapy to include: hypertension infection, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic ischemia, edema, severe vascular disease, malignancy, etc.
- History of previous Achilles tendon surgery, ankle arthrodesis, hind foot fracture, or leg length discrepancy of more than one half inch.
- History of arthrosis or arthritis of the ankle and/or foot.
- History of significant ankle and/or foot instability
- Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression, including any two of the following:
- Muscle weakness involving a major lower extremity muscle group
- Diminished lower extremity patella or Achilles tendon reflexes
- Diminished / absent sensation in any lower extremity dermatome
- Involvement in litigation or worker's compensation regarding foot pain
- Any condition that might contraindicate the use of electro-needling
- The patient is pregnant.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it's taking place
- Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Compensation & support
Compensation mentioned.
ClinicalTrials.gov doesn't provide a reliable structured field for payment or travel support - confirm details with the study team.
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This study's listing includes signals that participants may be compensated or receive a stipend. Amounts vary and are set by the study team - confirm the details with them.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part - confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The study runs about 6 weeks per participant, based on its public description. The team confirms the exact schedule and number of visits before you enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
Study sites include Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool - not medical advice, and not the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov; the study team decides eligibility.