Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)Phase 3ASPIRENCT07650396
The ASPIRE Trial: AchilleS tendinoPathy Treated With cortIcosteRoid injEctions
A Phase 3 study testing Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine in people with Achilles Tendinopathy (AT), run by Erasmus Medical Center at 1 site in Netherlands.
Trial summary
Achilles tendinopathy is a common and often persistent tendon disorder associated with pain, impaired function, and reduced participation in physical activities. Standard care consists of education, load management advice, and progressive calf-strengthening exercises, yet about half of patients remain symptomatic. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
- What is being tested?
- Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 276 participants
- Where
- 1 siteNetherlands
- Study dates
- 3 Jun 2026to 31 Oct 2028
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-65 years
- Clinically diagnosed midportion Achilles tendinopathy confirmed by ultrasound
- Symptoms for at least 6 months
- Persistent complaints despite standard care, including education, load management advice and at least 3 months of exercise therapy / exercise programme
Who cannot join
- • Clinical suspicion of insertional Achilles tendinopathy
- Clinical suspicion of Achilles tendon rupture
- Clinical suspicion of plantar flexor tenosynovitis
- Clinical suspicion of sural nerve pathology
- Clinical suspicion of peroneal tendon subluxation or peroneal tendinopathy
- Clinical suspicion of posterior ankle impingement syndrome
Show all 20Show fewer
- Suspected systemic/inflammatory disorder as cause of symptoms
- Any condition preventing participation in active exercise programme
- History of Achilles tendon rupture of index tendon
- Previous local corticosteroid injection on index Achilles tendon
- Previous surgery on index Achilles tendon
- Refusal to undergo one of the study treatments
- Local skin infection, suspected systemic infection with fever, or other medical condition compromising injection safety
- Vitamin K antagonist use with INR >3.0 within 3 days before injection or unknown INR
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Medication-induced tendon pathology (quinolones or statins related to symptom onset)
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Participation in another concomitant interventional programme for Achilles tendinopathy
- Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Depo-Medrol or Lidocaine
- Participants with unstable or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus may be excluded at investigator discretion for safety reasons.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Netherlands1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Erasmus MC
Rotterdam
k van Abswoude, MD, +31 6 49326353, aspire@erasmusmc.nl
R.J de Vos, MD/PhD, +31 10 7040136, r.devos@erasmusmc.nl
About this study
Achilles tendinopathy is a common and often persistent tendon disorder associated with pain, impaired function, and reduced participation in physical activities. Standard care consists of education, load management advice, and progressive calf-strengthening exercises, yet about half of patients remain symptomatic. Corticosteroid injections are frequently used in clinical practice, but evidence on long-term efficacy and safety remains inconclusive. The ASPIRE trial is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial evaluating whether 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous corticosteroid injections added to standard care are safe and more effective than placebo injections plus standard care in adults with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. The primary outcomes are change in VISA-A score over 1 year and incidence of full-thickness Achilles tendon rupture during 1-year follow-up.
Read the detailed description
The ASPIRE trial is designed to address uncertainty regarding peritendinous corticosteroid injections as a second-line treatment for chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Participants are adults aged 18-65 years with clinically diagnosed and ultrasonographically confirmed chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy, persistent symptoms for at least 6 months, and ongoing complaints despite standard care including at least 3 months of exercise therapy. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous injections of methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg plus lidocaine, or 1-3 ultrasound-guided placebo injections with lidocaine only. All participants receive the same standard care consisting of education, load management advice, and a structured progressive calf-muscle strengthening exercise programme supported by an online website. Follow-up includes clinical assessments, questionnaires, ultrasound imaging, and functional testing at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year, with additional online questionnaires up to 10 years.
- Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
- Being tested
- Standard care, Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine, placebo injections consisting of lidocaine only
- Keywords
- Corticosteroid injection, Lidocaine, Placebo injection, Exercise therapy, Ultrasound-guided injection, Methylprednisolone acetate, Depo-Medrol, VISA-A
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Standard careOther
Education, load management advice, and a structured progressive calf-muscle strengthening exercise programme supported by an online website.
Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaineDrug
Also called Drug: Methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg + Lidocaine 10 mg, Depo-Medrol + Lidocaine
Participants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous injections of Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine.
placebo injections consisting of lidocaine onlyDrug
Also called Drug: Lidocaine 10 mg, Placebo injection
Participants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous placebo injections consisting of lidocaine onl
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid and Lidocaine Injection | Experimental | Participants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous injections of Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine. All participants receive one injection at baseline; up to two additional injections may be given within the first 8 weeks at intervals of 4 weeks if predefined criteria are met. Receives: Other: Standard care; Drug: Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine |
| Placebo Injection | Placebo comparator | Participants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous placebo injections consisting of lidocaine only. All participants receive one injection at baseline; up to two additional injections may be given within the first 8 weeks at intervals of at least 4 weeks if predefined criteria are met. Receives: Other: Standard care; Drug: placebo injections consisting of lidocaine only |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in disability and symptoms measured with the VISA-A questionnaire.
Change in disability and symptoms during 1-year follow-up, measured with the validated Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, scored from 0 to 100.
Measured: Baseline to 1 year follow-up (timepoints: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1-year).
Incidence of full-thickness Achilles tendon rupture
Incidence of full-thickness Achilles tendon ruptures during 1-year follow-up, confirmed by medical records or clinical tests and imaging.
Measured: During 1-year follow-up
Secondary outcomes (25)
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Body mass (kg)
Measured: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Tendon-related symptoms and disability
TENDINopathy Severity Assessment - Achilles (TENDINS-A) score. 0-100; 0= worts, 100= best
Measured: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Pain outcomes
Pain during activity, measured on a VAS 0-10 scale
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Global perceived improvement
Global Rating of Change (GROC), 11-point scale
Measured: Assessed at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Maximum VAS pain (0-10) during or after palpation of the Achilles tendon
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Health-related quality of life
Euro Quality of life 5 Dimensions, 5 Levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). 0-100 score. 0=worst, 100=best
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Return to sport / physical activity level
Return to desired sports participation using a 7-point scale. 0= worst, 7 full return to sports = best
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Healthcare use
Medical Consumption Questionnaire (iMCQ) for healthcare use
The economic evaluation will be published separately.
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure
Ultrasound and ultrasound tissue characterisation of Achilles tendon where the degree of collagen disorganisation is assed using: echo types I, echo types II, echo types III, echo types IV, combined percentage echo types I + II
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: neovascularisation / Doppler flow
percentage of Doppler flow within the color box, quantified with the Surface Area Quantification (SAQ) method
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Body fat percentage
Measured: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Waist circumference (cm)
Measured: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Minor corticosteroid side effects
Visible skin abnormalities at the injection site scored as present or absent
Measured: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Hot flushes (5-point scale)
Measured: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Menstrual disturbances (if applicable, 5-point scale)
Measured: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Sleep disturbances (5-point scale)
Measured: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Appetite (5-point scale)
Measured: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Maximum VAS pain (0-10) during or after 5 single-leg heel rises
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Maximum VAS pain (0-10) during or after 5 hops
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Heel Rise Endurance Test (HRET) - repetitions
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
productivity loss
Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ for productivity loss). The economic evaluation will be published separately
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure on ultrasound
tendon volume (cubic centimeters)
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure on ultrasound
maximum cross-sectional area (square cm)
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure on ultrasound
tendon maximum diameter (cm)
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Pain outcomes
Pain after activity, measured on a VAS 0-10 scale
Measured: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jun 2026
- Study start3 Jun 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Oct 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Erasmus Medical CenterThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive corticosteroid and lidocaine injection(s) plus standard care or lidocaine (placebo) injection(s) plus standard care. Both groups receive the same co-interventions and follow-up schedule.
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 276 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Erasmus Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- ZonMw: The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, Amsterdam UMC, UMC Utrecht, Haaglanden Medical Centre, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Isala, Bergman Clinics, Dutch Association of Sports Medicine (VSG), Dutch Orthopaedic Association (NOV), Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG Musculoskeletal Care), International Trial Advisory Board, Patient Panel
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Adam Weir, Erasmus Medical Center
- Investigators
- Robert Jan de Vos, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, Erasmus Medical Centre
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07650396
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MEC-2026-0210
- Other IDs
- 2025-524057-13-00, ZonMw grant number: 1014102241, 2025
- Acronym
- ASPIRE
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: upon reasonable request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The ASPIRE Trial: AchilleS tendinoPathy Treated With cortIcosteRoid injEctions
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07650396
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ASPIRE / MEC-2026-0210
- Conditions
- Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
- Keywords
- Corticosteroid injection, Lidocaine, Placebo injection, Exercise therapy, Ultrasound-guided injection, Methylprednisolone acetate, Depo-Medrol, VISA-A
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 276 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Erasmus Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- ZonMw: The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, Amsterdam UMC, UMC Utrecht, Haaglanden Medical Centre, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Isala, Bergman Clinics, Dutch Association of Sports Medicine (VSG), Dutch Orthopaedic Association (NOV), Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG Musculoskeletal Care), International Trial Advisory Board, Patient Panel
- Study start
- 3 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 16 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Achilles tendinopathy is a common and often persistent tendon disorder associated with pain, impaired function, and reduced participation in physical activities. Standard care consists of education, load management advice, and progressive calf-strengthening exercises, yet about half of patients remain symptomatic. Corticosteroid injections are frequently used in clinical practice, but evidence on long-term efficacy and safety remains inconclusive. The ASPIRE trial is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial evaluating whether 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous corticosteroid injections added to standard care are safe and more effective than placebo injections plus standard care in adults with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. The primary outcomes are change in VISA-A score over 1 year and incidence of full-thickness Achilles tendon rupture during 1-year follow-up.
Detailed description
The ASPIRE trial is designed to address uncertainty regarding peritendinous corticosteroid injections as a second-line treatment for chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Participants are adults aged 18-65 years with clinically diagnosed and ultrasonographically confirmed chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy, persistent symptoms for at least 6 months, and ongoing complaints despite standard care including at least 3 months of exercise therapy. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous injections of methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg plus lidocaine, or 1-3 ultrasound-guided placebo injections with lidocaine only. All participants receive the same standard care consisting of education, load management advice, and a structured progressive calf-muscle strengthening exercise programme supported by an online website. Follow-up includes clinical assessments, questionnaires, ultrasound imaging, and functional testing at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year, with additional online questionnaires up to 10 years.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive corticosteroid and lidocaine injection(s) plus standard care or lidocaine (placebo) injection(s) plus standard care. Both groups receive the same co-interventions and follow-up schedule.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid and Lidocaine Injection | Experimental | Other: Standard care, Drug: Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaineParticipants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous injections of Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine. All participants receive one injection at baseline; up to two additional injections may be given within the first 8 weeks at intervals of 4 weeks if predefined criteria are met. |
| Placebo Injection | Placebo comparator | Other: Standard care, Drug: placebo injections consisting of lidocaine onlyParticipants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous placebo injections consisting of lidocaine only. All participants receive one injection at baseline; up to two additional injections may be given within the first 8 weeks at intervals of at least 4 weeks if predefined criteria are met. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age 18-65 years
- Clinically diagnosed midportion Achilles tendinopathy confirmed by ultrasound
- Symptoms for at least 6 months
- Persistent complaints despite standard care, including education, load management advice and at least 3 months of exercise therapy / exercise programme
Key exclusion criteria (20 listed)
- • Clinical suspicion of insertional Achilles tendinopathy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Standard careEducation, load management advice, and a structured progressive calf-muscle strengthening exercise programme supported by an online website. | Other | Corticosteroid and Lidocaine Injection, Placebo Injection |
| Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaineAlso: Drug: Methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg + Lidocaine 10 mg, Depo-Medrol + LidocaineParticipants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous injections of Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine. | Drug | Corticosteroid and Lidocaine Injection |
| placebo injections consisting of lidocaine onlyAlso: Drug: Lidocaine 10 mg, Placebo injectionParticipants receive 1-3 ultrasound-guided peritendinous placebo injections consisting of lidocaine onl | Drug | Placebo Injection |
Primary outcome
Change in disability and symptoms measured with the VISA-A questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline to 1 year follow-up (timepoints: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1-year).
Change in disability and symptoms during 1-year follow-up, measured with the validated Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, scored from 0 to 100.
Incidence of full-thickness Achilles tendon rupture
Time frame: During 1-year follow-up
Incidence of full-thickness Achilles tendon ruptures during 1-year follow-up, confirmed by medical records or clinical tests and imaging.
25 secondary outcomes
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Tendon-related symptoms and disability
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Pain outcomes
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Global perceived improvement
Time frame: Assessed at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Health-related quality of life
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Return to sport / physical activity level
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Healthcare use
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: neovascularisation / Doppler flow
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Minor corticosteroid side effects
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Minor corticosteroid side effects / corticosteroid safety indicators
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Physical function / functional test outcomes
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
productivity loss
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure on ultrasound
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure on ultrasound
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Imaging outcomes: tendon structure on ultrasound
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year
Pain outcomes
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Jun 2026.
- trial website for patientsLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. upon reasonable request.
Related trials for Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
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Achilles Injuries Tendon, Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
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Lower-Extremity Kinetic Chain Exercise Program for Achilles Tendinopathy
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Augmenting Standard Rehabilitation With Blood Flow Restriction for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy
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Achilles Tendinopathy; the Effect of Shockwave Treatment
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Effect of Foot Position During Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendinopathy on Tendon Mechanics and Symptoms.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Robert Jan de Vos, MD, PhD principal investigator
Erasmus Medical Centre
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg) combined with lidocaine in people with Achilles Tendinopathy (AT), run by Erasmus Medical Center at 1 site in Netherlands.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 20 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Netherlands. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kristel van Abswoude, MD (+31 6 49326353, aspire@erasmusmc.nl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in disability and symptoms measured with the VISA-A questionnaire. (time frame: Baseline to 1 year follow-up (timepoints: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1-year).). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Jun 2026.