The Effect of Kinesiotaping on Pain, Balance and Falling Risks in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Investigation of the effect of kinesiotaping on pain, balance, risk of falls and functional status in patients with plantar fasciitis syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thrity patients with plantar fasciitis were divided into two groups randomly. Exercise and ice application were suggested to both groups. Kinesiotaping was applied to intervention group and placebo taping was applied to the other group. Patients were evaluated before intervention and one week after the intervention. We used visual analog scale (VAS) for pain evaluation. Foot Function Index (FFI), Nottingham Health Profile were filled and measurements were taken with the Biodex Balance system to assess balance-and-falls risk. RESULTS: There was a decrease in VAS values in both groups but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. A statistically significant difference was found in treatment group in FFI-Disability score in functional comparison. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was found that kinesiotaping for plantar fasciitis syndrome had a significant effect on pain, but this effect did not make a statistical difference compared to placebo.

Short-term efficacy of kinesiotaping versus extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis: A randomized study

“…In the current study, a significant improvement was observed in both pain and functionality with a 6-week application. When taken together, the results of the current study as well as those of the above-discussed studies[ 19 26 27 ] suggest that KT can provide a significant improvement in pain, functionality and QoL without the need for an additional physical therapy agent, probably by supporting the foot biomechanics in long-term applications.…”

“…In another study, Ayhan et al . [ 26 ] investigated the effectiveness of KT in improving pain, balance and functional status and reducing the risk of falls in patients with PF and found that KT had a significant effect on pain, but there was no difference with the control group. This may be explained by the sham application providing mechanical stimulation of skin mechanoreceptors and proprioception.…”