Abstract
BackgroundPlantar fasciitis is one of the common causes of heel pain and a common musculoskeletal problem often observed by clinicians. Numerous options are available in treating plantar fasciitis conservatively, but no previous studies have compared combined conservative management protocols.AimThe aim of this study was to compare manipulation of the foot and ankle and cross friction massage of the plantar fascia; cross friction massage of the plantar fascia and gastrocsoleus complex stretching; and a combination of the aforementioned protocols in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.SettingThis study was conducted at the University of Johannesburg, Chiropractic Day Clinic, and included participants that complied with relevant inclusion criteria.MethodsForty-five participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years with heel pain for more than 3 months were divided into three groups and received one of the proposed treatment interventions. The data collected were range of motion (ROM) of the ankle (using a goniometer) and pain perception using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Functional foot index and algometer.ResultsThe results of this study indicate that cross friction massage of the plantar fascia and stretching of the gastrocsoleus complex showed the greatest overall improvement in terms of reducing the pain and disability and ankle dorsiflexion ROM, whereas the combination group showed the greatest increase in plantar flexion.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that all three protocols had a positive effect on the ROM and pain perception to patients with plantar fasciitis.
Highlights
BackgroundPlantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain (Baravarian 2009; Buchbinder 2004; Schwartz & Su 2014; Young, Rutherford & Niedfeldt 2001) and a common musculoskeletal problem
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain (Baravarian 2009; Buchbinder 2004; Schwartz & Su 2014; Young, Rutherford & Niedfeldt 2001) and a common musculoskeletal problem
Research has been conducted in the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis, sporting persons, children and even inactive individuals are still vulnerable to this condition owing to its multifactorial aetiology (Lynch et al 1998; Roxas 2005), which include anatomical, biomechanical and environmental factors
Summary
BackgroundPlantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain (Baravarian 2009; Buchbinder 2004; Schwartz & Su 2014; Young, Rutherford & Niedfeldt 2001) and a common musculoskeletal problem. Numerous options are available in treating plantar fasciitis, with conservative measures frequently documented (Baravarian 2009; Dubin 2007; Young et al 2004) These measures include stretching, orthoses, advice on weight loss, night splints, physical therapy modalities, anti-inflammatory agents (such as corticosteroid injections), surgery and protein-rich plasma (Akşahin et al 2012; Buchbinder 2004; Goff & Crawford 2011; Lynch et al 1998; Martin et al 2001; Powell et al 1998; Schepsis, Leach & Gouyca 1991). Numerous options are available in treating plantar fasciitis conservatively, but no previous studies have compared combined conservative management protocols
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
