Comparison of Calcaneal Taping and Low-Dye Taping for the Short-Term Management of Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and foot pain. Physical therapists have applied many techniques in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, including various taping methods for which there is little existing evidence. Purpose of the study is to compare the effects of 2 different taping techniques in short-term management of plantar fasciitis. Study design was randomized pre- and post-test different subject experimental design. Methods and Measure: Subjects (n=30) were randomly assigned into 3 groups: (A) calcaneal taping and conventional treatment,(B) low-dye taping and conventional treatment, (C) conventional treatment only. Visual analog scale (VAS) for first-step pain and foot function index scale (FFI) for functional activities were measured pretreatment, 4th day and after 1 week of treatment, 7th day ( post-treatment). Result: Follow up analysis revealed that calcaneal and low-dye taping showed greater improvement on 2nd and 3rd session compared to conventional treatment. Conclusion: Subjects treated with calcaneal and low-dye taping along with ultrasound and passive stretching showed an additional and more significant improvement as compared to ultrasound and passive stretching only and also there was no significant difference found between calcaneal and low-dye taping groups in terms of reduction of pain on VAS and FFI. Hence, it can be concluded that both calcaneal and low-dye taping techniques are effective therapeutic option in short-term treatment of plantar fasciitis.