HeEL Pain Pathways Feasibility Study

Virtual (telephone) consultation with a podiatrist, who will provide self-management advice to the participant including advice on footwear, massage, and stretching. Supplemented by written advice leaflets.

Self-help video providing self-management advice to the participant including advice on footwear, massage, and stretching. Available online or as a DVD.

"Provision of orthotics following an in-person musculoskeletal assessment by a podiatrist to check foot function, footwear, and position of feet, ankles, knees, and hip.~Podiatrists prescribe, produce, and fit orthotic devices to be worn inside footwear. The devices used in this feasibility study will be selected according to individual patient needs. All will have regulatory certification (CE mark) and will be used in accordance with the manufacturer's Instructions For Use."

"A 3-week course of Shockwave therapy following an in-person musculoskeletal assessment by a podiatrist to check foot function, footwear, and position of feet, ankles, knees, and hip.~Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is delivered by a podiatrist in an outpatient clinic. Most patients lie down during the procedure. The machine passes pulses of energy through the skin towards the injured area of the heel. This encourages the body to respond and aims to stimulate the healing process. Participants will need to attend the clinic approximately once a week for three weeks to complete the course of treatment."