The Effect of Myofascial Release Technique and Stretching Versus Myofascial Release Technique and Taping in Patients with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Background and Objective: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause for inferior heel pain. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of myofascial release technique (MFR) and stretching versus MFR and taping in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Method: 60 plantar fasciitis patients were randomly divided into two groups with n= 30 in each group. Group 1- received MFR and stretching, where Group 2- received MFR and taping. The treatment was given one session per day for 10 consecutive days for both the groups. Outcome Measures: The patients were evaluated on day 1, day 5 and day 10. They were requested to come for a follow up after 1 week of treatment program. All the patients were assessed for pain and foot function by taking their Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI). Results: Group 1 which received MFR and stretching showed great improvements from baseline to week 1, after day 10 on pain intensity and foot function assessed using VAS and FFI respectively. Group 2 showed improvements from baseline to day 10 but there was increase in pain levels and decreased foot function in measurements in 1 week. After analysis group 1 showed significance with P = 0.001. Conclusion: MFR with stretching and MFR with taping both were effective in reducing the pain intensity and increasing the foot function but MFR with stretching showed a superior hand over MFR with taping. Key words: Plantar Fasciitis, Myofascial Release Technique, Stretching, Taping, Visual Analog Scale, Foot Function Index.