Calcaneal SpurNCT07919600
Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients With Symptomatic Plantar Calcaneal Spurs
A study testing Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) in people with Calcaneal Spur, run by Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This prospective, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in patients with symptomatic plantar calcaneal spurs. A total of 100 participants will be randomly assigned to either an active PEMF group or a sham PEMF group in a 1:1 ratio. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Calcaneal Spur
- What is being tested?
- Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 28 Aug 2026to 29 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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
- Adults aged 18-65 years.
- Heel pain persisting for at least 3 months.
- Radiographically confirmed plantar calcaneal spur on lateral foot radiography.
Who cannot join
- Symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy or retrocalcaneal bursitis.
- Partial or complete plantar fascia rupture.
- Calcaneal stress or insufficiency fracture.
- Heel fat pad syndrome or fat pad atrophy.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome or other peripheral neuropathies.
- Foot pain associated with S1 radiculopathy.
Show all 17Show fewer
- Inflammatory rheumatic diseases or gout.
- Active infection.
- Malignancy.
- Severe lower extremity deformity or previous calcaneal/foot surgery.
- Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the plantar region within the previous 6 months.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) within the previous 6 months.
- Requirement for regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesic medication.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Significant peripheral vascular disease.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, 34307
Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR, MD, 05367387869, haticezehraferhatlar@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients With Symptomatic Plantar Calcaneal Spurs: A Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
This prospective, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in patients with symptomatic plantar calcaneal spurs. A total of 100 participants will be randomly assigned to either an active PEMF group or a sham PEMF group in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive a standardized stretching exercise program.
The primary outcome will be the change in morning first-step pain intensity. Secondary outcomes will include foot function assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasonography, and pressure pain threshold measured using an algometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 to evaluate the short- and medium-term effects of PEMF therapy.
- Conditions
- Calcaneal Spur
- Being tested
- Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (Sham PEMF)
- Keywords
- Plantar Calcaneal Spur, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Sham-Controlled Trial, Plantar Fascia Thickness
- Medical subject headings
- Heel Spur
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)Device
Active pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy will be administered using a BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device with a solenoid applicator. The treatment parameters will be a magnetic field intensity of 2 mT, a frequency of 50 Hz, and a session duration of 20 minutes. Treatment will be provided three times per week for four consecutive weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Participants will also receive a standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program.
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (Sham PEMF)Device
Sham PEMF treatment will be administered using the same BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device, solenoid applicator, patient positioning, and session duration as the active PEMF group, but without activation of the electromagnetic field output. Each session will last 20 minutes, three times per week for four consecutive weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Participants will also receive the same standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active PEMF Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive active pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy using a BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device with a solenoid applicator. Treatment will be administered at a magnetic field intensity of 2 mT and a frequency of 50 Hz for 20 minutes per session, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions in total). All participants will also receive a standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program. Receives: Device: Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) |
| Sham PEMF Group | Sham comparator | Participants in this group will undergo sham PEMF treatment using the same BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device, solenoid applicator, patient positioning, and session duration as the active treatment group. However, the electromagnetic field output will remain deactivated throughout each session. Sham treatment will be administered for 20 minutes per session, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions in total). All participants will also receive the same standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program. Receives: Device: Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (Sham PEMF) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Morning First-Step Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Morning first-step heel pain intensity will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. The change from baseline will be compared between the active PEMF and sham PEMF groups at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (3)
Change in Foot Function Index (FFI) Score
Foot-related pain, disability, and functional limitations will be assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Higher scores indicate greater foot-related pain and disability. Changes from baseline will be compared between the active PEMF and sham PEMF groups.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Change in Plantar Fascia Thickness Measured by Ultrasonography
Plantar fascia thickness will be measured using ultrasonography and recorded in millimeters (mm). Changes in plantar fascia thickness from baseline will be evaluated and compared between the active PEMF and sham PEMF groups at each follow-up visit.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the Medial Calcaneal Region
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) will be measured using a pressure algometer at the medial calcaneal region. Higher PPT values indicate lower mechanical pain sensitivity. Changes from baseline will be compared between the active PEMF and sham PEMF groups at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Nov 2026
- Study start28 Aug 2026
- Primary completion29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Calcaneal SpurStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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 N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07919600
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SPUR-PEMF-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Silva LD, Batista JD, Batista JD, Pereira GS, da Silva ML. Efficacy and safety of low- and high-intensity magnetic field therapies for orthopedic pain: a systematic review. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2026 Apr 30;7:1760721. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2026.1760721. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42146884Akkoyun Sert O, Yilmaz K. Comparative retrospective analysis of magnetic field therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in pain management for heel spur. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2025 Jan;38(1):184-191. doi: 10.1177/10538127241296347. Epub 2025 Jan 9.
PubMed 39970457Chia CSM, Fu SC, Ko VM, Lai JWH, Zhou M, Yung PS, Ling SK. The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain and physical functions in patients with soft tissue injuries: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Feb 5;8:1694944. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1694944. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 41716305
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Patients With Symptomatic Plantar Calcaneal Spurs: A Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07919600
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SPUR-PEMF-2026
- Conditions
- Calcaneal Spur
- Keywords
- Plantar Calcaneal Spur, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Sham-Controlled Trial, Plantar Fascia Thickness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Hatice Zehra FERHATLARUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Nov 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.
This prospective, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in patients with symptomatic plantar calcaneal spurs. A total of 100 participants will be randomly assigned to either an active PEMF group or a sham PEMF group in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will receive a standardized stretching exercise program.
The primary outcome will be the change in morning first-step pain intensity. Secondary outcomes will include foot function assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasonography, and pressure pain threshold measured using an algometer. Assessments will be performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 to evaluate the short- and medium-term effects of PEMF therapy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active PEMF Group | Experimental | Device: Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)Participants in this group will receive active pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy using a BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device with a solenoid applicator. Treatment will be administered at a magnetic field intensity of 2 mT and a frequency of 50 Hz for 20 minutes per session, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions in total). All participants will also receive a standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program. |
| Sham PEMF Group | Sham comparator | Device: Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (Sham PEMF)Participants in this group will undergo sham PEMF treatment using the same BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device, solenoid applicator, patient positioning, and session duration as the active treatment group. However, the electromagnetic field output will remain deactivated throughout each session. Sham treatment will be administered for 20 minutes per session, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions in total). All participants will also receive the same standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Adults aged 18-65 years.
- Heel pain persisting for at least 3 months.
- Radiographically confirmed plantar calcaneal spur on lateral foot radiography.
Key exclusion criteria (17 listed)
- Symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy or retrocalcaneal bursitis.
- Partial or complete plantar fascia rupture.
- Calcaneal stress or insufficiency fracture.
- Heel fat pad syndrome or fat pad atrophy.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome or other peripheral neuropathies.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)Active pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy will be administered using a BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device with a solenoid applicator. The treatment parameters will be a magnetic field intensity of 2 mT, a frequency of 50 Hz, and a session duration of 20 minutes. Treatment will be provided three times per week for four consecutive weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Participants will also receive a standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program. | Device | Active PEMF Group |
| Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (Sham PEMF)Sham PEMF treatment will be administered using the same BTL-4000 magnetotherapy device, solenoid applicator, patient positioning, and session duration as the active PEMF group, but without activation of the electromagnetic field output. Each session will last 20 minutes, three times per week for four consecutive weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Participants will also receive the same standardized plantar fascia and gastrocnemius-soleus stretching exercise program. | Device | Sham PEMF Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Morning First-Step Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Morning first-step heel pain intensity will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. The change from baseline will be compared between the active PEMF and sham PEMF groups at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
3 secondary outcomes
Change in Foot Function Index (FFI) Score
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Change in Plantar Fascia Thickness Measured by Ultrasonography
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the Medial Calcaneal Region
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12
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 5 Nov 2026.
- Background: PubMed 42146884Silva LD, Batista JD, Batista JD, Pereira GS, da Silva ML. Efficacy and safety of low- and high-intensity magnetic field therapies for orthopedic pain: a systematic review. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2026 Apr 30;7:1760721. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2026.1760721. eCollection 2026.
- Background: PubMed 39970457Akkoyun Sert O, Yilmaz K. Comparative retrospective analysis of magnetic field therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in pain management for heel spur. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2025 Jan;38(1):184-191. doi: 10.1177/10538127241296347. Epub 2025 Jan 9.
- Background: PubMed 41716305Chia CSM, Fu SC, Ko VM, Lai JWH, Zhou M, Yung PS, Ling SK. The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain and physical functions in patients with soft tissue injuries: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Feb 5;8:1694944. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1694944. eCollection 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Active Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) in people with Calcaneal Spur, run by Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 3 inclusion and 17 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 5 Nov 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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.
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 Hatice Zehra FERHATLAR, MD (05367387869, haticezehraferhatlar@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Morning First-Step Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07919600, which also lists 3 linked publications.
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 5 Nov 2026.