Loop Taping for Heel Fat Pad Syndrome: A Crossover Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Alison H Chang, Katrine Bruun Skov, Thomas Sørensen et al.
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In 30 seconds
This two-period crossover pilot randomized controlled trial assessed loop taping in adults with heel fat pad syndrome, comparing it with control taping in randomized order. Across 16 paired observations, the between-condition difference in immediate activity-related pain was small and not statistically significant (mean difference 0.8; 95% CI: -0.1 to 1.7; p = 0.10). Loop taping significantly increased heel fat pad thickness by 1.7 mm (95% CI: 1.2 to 2.3; p < 0.001) and favored improvement in FHSQ Pain, while the function difference was not statistically significant.
Key findings
- Immediate activity-related pain showed a non-significant between-condition difference of 0.8 (95% CI: -0.1 to 1.7; p = 0.10).
- FHSQ Pain favored loop taping by 20.7 points (95% CI: 4.5 to 36.8; p = 0.02), exceeding its 12.4-point MCID.
- FHSQ Function favored loop taping by 11.3 points (95% CI: -1.0 to 23.6; p = 0.09), exceeding its 6.4-point MCID.
- Heel fat pad thickness increased by 1.7 mm (95% CI: 1.2 to 2.3; p < 0.001); pressure pain threshold did not differ between conditions.
Why it matters
Heel fat pad syndrome is described as a common but under-investigated cause of plantar heel pain. This pilot provides randomized comparative evidence on a targeted taping approach and suggests possible short-term improvements in pain-related outcomes alongside increased fat pad thickness. The findings help define outcomes and design considerations for larger trials, but do not establish definitive clinical benefit.
What to keep in mind
This was an underpowered pilot trial with 16 paired observations, limiting definitive conclusions about treatment effects.