AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

AchilleS tendinoPathy treated with cortIcosteRoid injEctions.

This study, called 'AchilleS tendinoPathy treated with CorticosteRoid injEctions', or 'ASPIRE', is investigating a common problem: pain in the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the strong cord at the back of your ankle. This research is focusing on whether steroid injections are an effective treatment to reduce pain and improve how well people can use their foot and ankle when they have Achilles tendinopathy (long-term pain and stiffness in this tendon). If you're an adult aged 18 or over, male or female, and suffer from Achilles pain, this study might be for you. It's a phase three study, which means researchers are confirming the effectiveness of this treatment before it could become widely available.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus MC)

Enrolment target

276

Start

16 Mar 2026

Achilles tendinopathy

What is this study about?

This study, known as ASPIRE, is all about understanding the best ways to treat a common problem called Achilles tendinopathy. This simply means you have pain, stiffness, or tenderness in your Achilles tendon, which is the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It's a condition often seen in active people but can affect anyone.

Researchers are specifically looking at injections containing corticosteroids (a type of steroid medicine) as a potential treatment. The aim is to see if these injections can help reduce the pain and swelling in the tendon, making it easier for people to move around and get back to their daily activities. This is considered a 'Phase III' study, which means it's a big step in research where scientists want to confirm if the treatment is effective and safe for widespread use.

By taking part, you could contribute to important medical knowledge that might help many other people with similar Achilles tendon problems in the future. The study hopes to provide clear answers on whether steroid injections are a good option for treating this common and often stubborn condition.

Key takeaways

Tests steroid injections for Achilles tendon pain.
Aimed at adults aged 18 and over, any gender.
Could help improve movement and reduce pain.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Your participation helps advance medical knowledge.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults who are at least 18 years old. People of any gender are welcome to take part. The main requirement is that you have Achilles tendinopathy, which means ongoing pain or discomfort in your Achilles tendon.

The research team will carry out some checks to make sure the study is right for you and that you meet all the specific requirements. They want to ensure it's safe for you to participate and that the results of the study will be accurate and helpful.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have ongoing pain or problems with your Achilles tendon?
Are you willing to attend regular appointments for the study?
Are you able to understand and follow study instructions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study would involve a series of visits to the clinic over a set period. You would likely receive either the steroid injection being tested or a different treatment that acts as a comparison. You'd have regular check-ups where the study team would assess your pain levels, how well you can move your ankle, and your general health. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or diaries about your symptoms. The exact number of visits and the total length of your participation would be explained in full by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

By joining this study, you might find that the treatment helps reduce your Achilles pain and improves your ability to move. However, as with any medical procedure, there's always a chance of side effects from the injections, such as temporary pain, bruising, or a small risk of infection, though serious side effects are rare. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What is Achilles tendinopathy?

It's a common condition where the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel, becomes painful, stiff, or swollen, often due to overuse.

What are steroid injections?

These are injections containing medicines that help reduce swelling and pain in a specific area of the body, in this case, around the Achilles tendon.

Will I definitely get the steroid injection?

Not necessarily. In studies like this, participants are often randomly assigned to receive either the new treatment being tested or a standard treatment for comparison. The study team will explain this to you.

How long will the study last?

The exact duration of your involvement in the study will be explained to you by the research team if you are suitable to take part. It varies depending on the specific trial design.

Who is funding this research?

The question of who funds the research is an important one. The study team will be able to share details about the sponsor or funders during your initial discussions.