Far-Infrared Socks for Neuropathic Pain and Nerve Function in Diabetic Patients
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Far-Infrared Radiation (FIR) Socks, Placebo Socks.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). Basic parameters: from 19 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effect of Far-Infrared Emitting Socks on Neuropathic Pain, Nerve Conduction, and Quality of Life in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of far-infrared radiation (FIR) emitting socks in improving neuropathic pain, nerve conduction, and quality of life in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). It is the first comprehensive study in Turkey investigating FIR technology for DPN treatment and offers an alternative approach to traditional methods.The study will be conducted at Erciyes University Gevher Nesibe Hospital between February 2025 and June 2026 as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a triple-blind design. Participants will be assigned to either the FIR socks group or the placebo group, with both groups receiving two pairs of socks to wear daily. Assessments will include the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Scale, the Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life (NePIQoL) questionnaire, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for patient-reported outcomes. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) testing will also be performed before and after the intervention to assess nerve function. This research is expected to provide clinical evidence on FIR socks as a non-pharmacological treatment for neuropathic pain, contributing to improved patient care and the development of innovative medical technologies in Turkey.
Interventions
- Device Far-Infrared Radiation (FIR) Socks
Participants in the experimental group will receive two pairs of Far-Infrared Radiation (FIR) emitting socks, designed to be worn for at least 8 hours per day over a 3-month period. These socks utilize FIR technology, which is hypothesized to improve circulation, reduce neuropathic pain, and enhance quality of life in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Participants will be educated on the proper use of the socks, provided with a usage protocol, and monitored for adherence via th - Device Placebo Socks
Participants in the placebo group will receive two pairs of non-FIR socks, which are visually identical to the FIR socks but lack FIR-emitting properties. They will follow the same 8-hour daily usage protocol for 3 months and receive the same education on sock usage. Compliance and comfort will be monitored through three follow-up phone calls, and assessments will be conducted using the VAS, LANSS Scale, and NePIQoL forms. At the end of the study, participants will undergo a final ENMG evaluatio
Primary outcome measures
- Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Scale [Time frame: The scale was filled in the baseline]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life (NePIQoL) [Time frame: The scale was filled in the baseline]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with mild to moderate severity based on clinical evaluation.
- Oriented to person, place, and time (cognitively intact).
- Residing in Kayseri and receiving treatment in the city.
- HbA1C level below 8.5% during the study period.
- Non-smoker for at least 6 months.
- Not using neuropathic pain medication for at least 3 months before enrollment.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 - 35.
- Able to be contacted by phone for follow-up.
- Willing to participate and provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Presence of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Non-mobilized individuals (unable to walk independently).
- Severe peripheral artery disease (Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) < 0.4).
- Liver failure or renal failure (dialysis patients).
- Coronary artery disease.
- Candidates for surgery during the intervention period.
- Lower extremity arthroplasty or orthosis indication during the intervention period.
- Neurological or cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer's disease).
- Receiving non-pharmacological treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
- Chronic alcohol or substance use.
- Severe anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, or iron deficiency anemia.
- Recent changes in diabetes medication or newly diagnosed with diabetes.
- Neurological, cardiovascular, or orthopedic damage affecting the lower extremities.
- Use of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive agents or history of radiation therapy.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive.
- Receiving physiotherapy at any point during the study period.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Erciyes Üniversitesi — Talas
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06880484 · 1782/1762 · 1782/1762