Serum CTGF in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

This observational study aims to evaluate serum Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) levels in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis compared with asymptomatic controls. The study will also assess the associations between serum CTGF levels and clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of chronic plantar fasciitis.

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Key information

Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis Fasciitis Fasciitis, Plantar Foot Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

About this study

This is a single-center observational study including patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and asymptomatic controls. Serum CTGF/CCN2 levels will be evaluated, and their associations with clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics will be assessed.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age 18-65 years.
Written informed consent.
For the patient group: chronic plantar heel pain for at least 3 months, pain during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest, tenderness over the medial calcaneal tubercle, and clinical and ultrasonographic findings consistent with chronic plantar fasciitis.
For the control group: asymptomatic individuals without a previous diagnosis or clinical and ultrasonographic findings of plantar fasciitis.

Exclusion criteria

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, calcaneal stress fracture, plantar fascia rupture, Achilles tendinopathy, heel fat pad syndrome, plantar fibromatosis, or other foot conditions causing plantar heel pain.
Diabetes mellitus.
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases or gout.
Chronic kidney or liver disease.
Malignancy.
Active infection or autoimmune disease
Pregnancy.
Previous foot or ankle surgery.
Corticosteroid injection, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prolotherapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), or other interventional treatment to the affected heel within the previous 3 months.
Serious systemic conditions that may affect serum CTGF/CCN2 levels.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Serum CTGF/CCN2 Level

Time frame: At baseline

Serum Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) levels will be measured in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and asymptomatic controls.

Secondary outcomes

Pain Severity

Time frame: At baseline

Pain severity will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and its association with serum CTGF/CCN2 levels will be evaluated.
Foot Function Index

Time frame: At baseline

Functional status will be assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), and its association with serum CTGF/CCN2 levels will be evaluated.
Plantar Fascia Thickness

Time frame: At baseline

Plantar fascia thickness will be measured by musculoskeletal ultrasonography, and its association with serum CTGF/CCN2 levels will be evaluated.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Association of Serum Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) Levels With Pain and Functional Status in Patients With Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Aug 25, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Not yet recruiting