Can fine needles soothe stubborn heel pain?

NCT ID NCT07642583

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether adding a technique called dry needling to a standard exercise program helps people with chronic Achilles tendon pain. 74 adults with pain lasting 6 weeks or more will either get real dry needling or a sham version, plus exercise. Researchers will track pain, function, and tendon health over 6 months to see if the needling makes a difference.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
dry needling
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost addition to exercise therapy for chronic Achilles tendon pain.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial (74 people) testing a procedure against a sham. The dry needling may not provide extra benefit over exercise alone, and results may not apply to everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CPT Jennifer Moreno Primary Care Clinic - Physical Therapy

    Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 78324, United States