HeEL Pain Pathways Feasibility Study

At the moment, no-one is sure what the best way to treat heel pain is. The purpose of this research was to try out some study methods to prepare for a future clinical trial, that will assess how helpful combining different treatments are for people with heel pain (plantar fasciitis). At this stage, the aim was only to test the study processes and ask for feedback - that is why this is called a feasibility study. No experimental techniques or devices were tested. All of the treatments in the study are routinely carried out in NHS clinics, but participants were allocated to different combinations of treatments. Each participant was asked to complete questionnaires and a diary for around six months in total. Some people were also invited to take part in an interview or focus group discussion.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or over * Have symptomatic heel pain (in one or both feet) * Able to speak, read and understand written and spoken English or Welsh * Able to provide remote informed consent * Access to internet and email, or DVD player, with technical support from family, friends or carers if necessary. Exclusion Criteria: * Taken part in a prescribed exercise intervention or used prescribed insoles (past 3 months) * History of major trauma or fracture of the lower leg or below ankle surgery * Heel pain secondary to a systemic condition/syndrome/malignancy * Requires ankle-foot orthoses or lower limb device (splint) * Diabetes or peripheral neuropathy * History of inflammatory joint disease or autoimmune condition * Chronic pain syndrome * Pregnancy * Pacemaker or other electrical implant * Blood clotting disorder (haemophilia), blood clot (thrombosis), or current use of anticoagulant medication * Cortisone injection therapy within the last two weeks * Unable to complete exercises in self-help resources.