Heel pain relief: which simple fix works best for footballers?

NCT ID NCT07360873

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested two common treatments for Achilles tendinopathy in 24 male football players aged 18-30: eccentric calf exercises (lowering the heel off a step) and wearing heel insoles. Over 12 weeks, researchers measured pain, ankle movement, and function. The goal is to find out which approach better eases symptoms and improves performance, helping players get back on the field faster.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Eccentric calf muscle exercises and heel insole lifts

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show which simple, low-cost treatment works better for Achilles pain in football players, helping guide rehab choices.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 24 male football players, so results may not apply to women, other athletes, or severe cases. Both treatments are conservative and unlikely to cause harm, but may not fully resolve symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Achilles bursitis disease of the tendon

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • FAME Football Club, Model Town, Lahore

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan