The heel pain exercise program
Based on scientific research
The exercise program
Heel pain is a common condition that can significantly impact daily life.
Fortunately, there are developments!
This new online exercise program offers hope by focusing on strengthening the foot and ankle muscles, specifically developed for people with heel pain.
Purpose of the research
Reduction of
heel pain
In most cases, daily exercise will reduce the pain within a few weeks, allowing you to move more freely again.
Improved foot function
The strength and flexibility of the feet are improved, contributing to better overall foot health.
Improving balance and coordination
Our exercises help improve your balance and coordination, which is essential for daily activities.
Reduced risk of injuries
The exercises help prevent injuries by strengthening the feet and ankles, so you can stay active.
Simple and effective
The exercises are easy to learn and can be performed at home, without any special equipment.
Improved adherence to therapy
Our online exercise program makes it easier to stick to the exercises and track your progress.
Implementation in healthcare
The exercise program can be easily integrated into healthcare practice, making it widely accessible to patients with plantar heel pain.
Information about the exercises and
methods
Simple exercises
It starts with basic movements to strengthen your feet and reduce pain.
Difficulty level
Gradually build up your difficulty for better results and more flexibility.
No equipment
You don't need any special equipment, just a theraband, a book or board to raise your head, and possibly a mat or towel for comfort.
Duration of the exercise program
The exercise program lasts 9 weeks and looks like this;
Starting exercises
The first 3 weeks focus on starter exercises that help you build your foot and ankle muscles.
Second round
After the first 3 weeks, you will start a new set of exercises that will build on your progress.
Progress meeting
At the end of the second round, you will discuss your progress with the healthcare provider for the final program.
Final program
In the last 3 weeks you will follow a program that is tailored to your specific needs and progress.
Scientific research
Background information based on original European research:
The original Delphi study, entitled “Development of a foot and ankle strengthening program for the treatment of plantar heel pain,” aimed to develop a consensus-driven progressive strengthening program for the treatment of plantar heel pain (PHP).
This research was conducted by a team of experts and included three rounds of questionnaires to reach consensus on the most effective exercises and training variables for different patient types. The result is a series of programs that can be used in future clinical trials and as part of rehabilitation strategies for patients with PHP.
Patients are now starting the exercise program daily. The next phase focuses on updating and optimizing the exercise program, including scientifically confirming its effectiveness.
Current follow-up research
Research question
Is the existing exercise program for heel pain effective and can it be updated and optimized?
Data collection
Collecting valuable information through surveys among patients and healthcare providers.
Analysis and presentation
Under the leadership of Dr. Maarten Moen and Robert Wonink, the collected data is analyzed and presented to a panel of experts.
Consensus and optimization
The aim is to reach a consensus that will result in an optimized exercise program, based on the most recent research and practical experience.
The expert group
By means of the collected data and scientific research, the expert group strives for a scientifically substantiated improvement of the exercise program. The findings of the expert group are of great importance for the development and implementation of effective treatments for plantar heel pain.
The expert group consists of specialists, including physiotherapists, podiatrists and registered podiatrists. Under the supervision of Dr. Maarten Moen and Robert Wonink, the experts use their knowledge and experience to update and optimize the exercise program for plantar heel pain.
The research group
Dr. M. Moen
Sports physician working on the medical staff of NOC*NSF, the Olympic and Paralympic organization and at Bergman Clinics.
R. Wonink
Second-line sonographer in a focus clinic for foot and ankle and is affiliated as an ultrasound lecturer at three training institutes.
L. Verheul-Money
Registered Podiatrist in training with a special interest in scientific research. She is currently working on her graduation project, which focuses on the recovery of heel pain. Her passion for research and her dedication to improving the care of patients with foot problems make her a valuable asset to the field of podiatry.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why complete the survey?
Completing the survey will help us gather valuable information that will be used to make the plantar heel pain exercise program more effective.
How much time does it take to complete the survey?
Maximum 10 minutes.
How should the survey be completed?
Click on the link you received by email. The survey will start automatically.
How is privacy protected in the surveys?
Download AVGWe take the privacy of our patients very seriously. All information you provide will be treated confidentially and used in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Click below to download.
What should I do if I have technical problems?
ContactIf you experience any technical issues while completing the survey, please contact us. We are here to assist you and ensure that you can complete the survey without any problems.
Where can I find the original European Delphi survey?
Download researchThe original Delphi study "Development of a foot and ankle strengthening program for the treatment of plantar heel pain" can be downloaded here.