Barefoot Walking VS Standardised Conservative Care for Plantar Fasciopathy

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18-70 years;
• Clinical diagnosis of Plantar Fasciopahty, defined by: a) Pain localised to the medial calcaneal tubercle of sharp or stabbing quality; b) Pain worst with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest (first-step pain); c) Pain reproduced with palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle OR positive Windlass Test;
• Symptom duration greater than 4 weeks;
• Able to walk independently without a mobility aid
• Able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol

Exclusion criteria

• Prior surgery on the affected foot
• Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological condition affecting lower limb sensation or motor control
• Active inflammatory arthropathy, uncontrolled vascular disease, or inability to walk unaided
• Current or recent (less than 6 months) bony stress fracture or other acute foot or ankle injury on the affected side
• Pregnancy during the intervention period
• BMI greater than 40 kg/m²
• Corticosteroid injection to the affected foot within the previous 3 months
• Night splints initiated less than 4 weeks prior to enrolment
• Any condition that would make participation unsafe, including open foot wounds