Different treatment modalities in management of plantar fasciitis

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to compare different treatment modalities in management of plantar fasciitis. Forty- five patients with plantar fasciitis (males- 2- females- 20) were randomized into 3 groups. Group 1 patients received conventional treatment, group 2 patients received heat treatment with silicone heel pad and group 3 patients received active plantar fascia stretching with sham calf stretching. Patient was evaluated using foot function index (FFI) and the foot and ankle disability index (FADI). In group 1, foot function pre-intervention index score and post-intervention score was 68.2 and 43.5, in group 2 was 64.8 and 6.9 and in group 3 was 70.5 and 1.6 respectively. A significant difference was observed (P< 0.05). In group 1, pre-intervention foot and ankle disability score and post-intervention score was 61.5 and 76.4, in group 2 was 66.5 and 95.2 and in group 3 was 61.3 and 97.6 respectively. A significant difference was observed (P< 0.05). Active plantar fascia stretching with sham calf stretching exercise resulted in most significant improvement in FFI and FADI score followed by treatment with heat and silicone heel pad and conventional treatment.