Plantar Fasciitis Research Articles

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis: Surgical Release vs. Conservative Therapy

Introduction Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for visits to orthopedic clinics. This tendinopathy can cause medial heel pain, stiffness, and tenderness on the plantar surface of the foot. Both conservative and surgical methods are employed in its treatment. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate selected conservative treatment methods, such as stretching, the use of orthotic insoles, splints, injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and taping, as well as surgical treatment options. The study presents a comparison of these methods in terms of their effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages. State of Knowledge The plantar fascia is a stiff, connective tissue structure extending along the plantar surface of the foot. Biomechanical load on the fascia, which supports the medial longitudinal arch, can lead to degenerative changes that underlie plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include pain, particularly in the mornings and late evenings, which intensifies with palpation of the heel area. Summary (Conclusions) Conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis are effective in 90% of patients. There are no studies that conclusively demonstrate the superiority of one treatment method over another. Thus, the choice of therapy should be tailored to the patient's lifestyle, activity level, and financial capability. Surgical intervention is necessary in cases of chronic plantar fasciitis which remains resistant to conservative treatments.

Comparison of active release technique and post-isometric relaxation in treatment of plantar fasciitis among traffic police wardens: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundPlantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of chronic foot pain that leads to functional limitations in individuals. There has been recent research on plantar fasciitis, but no studies have compared the effects of the active release technique and post-isometric relaxation in patients to determine which manual therapy technique improves foot pain and function.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the active release technique and post-isometric relaxation on proximal foot pain and functional status and to assess muscular tightness among patients with traffic police wards and plantar fasciitis.MethodsA quasi-experimental study (pre-test, post-test) was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of Police Hospital, Gujranwala, Pakistan, between October 2022 and April 2023. We included 30 consecutively aged 25- to 60-year-old symptomatic police wardens diagnosed with planter fasciitis, who complained of pain on walking and standing for more than 3 months and met the inclusion criteria. They were equally assorted into two groups (n = 15 in each group) using convenient sampling. Group A received an active release exercise technique, group B received a post-isometric relaxation technique, and the participants in both groups received a similar baseline treatment protocol that consisted of calf stretching and stretching of the plantar fascia (5 repetitions and holding for 15 s). In the outcome measures, we included the Foot Function Index to assess the function of the foot and the Visual Analog Scale to examine the pain intensity measured during rest. The participants in both groups performed the selective protocol 3 days per week for 3 weeks, and we calculated the results at baseline and on the third day of the third week. We analyzed the data using SPSS software version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). We compared within-group differences in the VAS score and FFI using paired t tests and analyzed between-group differences in the VAS score and FFI before and after performing the ART and PIR using independent t tests.ResultsThe 8-week intervention therapy revealed a demographic age mean and standard deviation of 36.60 ± 6.11 for group A and 35.60 ± 4.85 for group B. Within-group analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in VAS (pain) score following ART intervention (1.80 ± 0.862, p < 0.01) compared to PIR (6.07 ± 0.884). Between-group analysis indicated a significant reduction in FFI (disability) scores for group A (30.33 ± 3.200, p < 0.03) compared to group B (56.93 ± 4.773). Moreover, ART intervention exhibited significant improvement in VAS scores (p < 0.05), with 95% CI [1.49, 2.11]. The mean difference in FFI scores was substantially greater in the ART group (86.00 to 30.33) compared to the PIR group (p > 0.05), suggesting non-significant differences.ConclusionThe active release exercise intervention is more effective than post-isometric relaxation in improving pain and foot function disability in patients with plantar fasciitis. The present study aimed to help physical therapists choose the most efficient manual therapy exercise intervention to improve functional limitations.

Foot Posture and Ankle Dorsiflexion as Risk Factors for Developing Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis: A Case-Control Study.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) and Achilles tendinopathy (AT) are common injuries that primarily affect people engaged in sport or occupational weightbearing activities. Identifying modifiable risk factors is important for the treatment and prevention of these injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether foot posture or ankle dorsiflexion are risk factors for developing AT or PF, and if there were any differences between PF and AT patients. This was a case-control study of 108 patients with PF and 114 patients with AT, compared to the same number of referred patients in 2 control groups never having had these injuries, matched for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), sport, and occupational weightbearing activities. Included patients were 20-65 years with ultrasonographic-verified PF or midsubstance AT. Foot posture was assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI) classifying the feet into 3 categories: FPI 0-5 normal foot, 6-12 hyperpronated, <0 hypopronated. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with a goniometer in weightbearing with straight and bent knee. Abnormal foot posture was associated with an increased risk for sustaining both AT (odds ratio [OR] 3.4-4.1) and PF (OR 3.2-3.8). Hyperpronation being the major reason for this association with ORs 5.4-5.5 compared with hypopronation with ORs 2.6-2.9. However, decreased dorsiflexion was not a risk factor: instead, there was an increased ankle dorsiflexion in patients with AT or PF compared with their control groups. Comparison between PF and AT patients demonstrated that PF affected mostly women, and AT mostly men, PF patients were 2.4 years (CI 0.2-4.5) younger, and had 25% more occupational weightbearing than AT patients. However, no differences in BMI or weightbearing physical activity was demonstrated. Hypopronation and hyperpronation but not limited ankle dorsiflexion was associated with increased risk for AT or PF.

Disabling foot pain and its impact on daily living among people with psoriatic arthritis in Singapore: a cross-sectional observational investigation

BackgroundPsoriatic Arthritis (PsA)-related foot involvement has been shown to have a profound impact on daily functioning, with most studies having focused on predominantly Caucasian populations. The aim was to describe disabling foot pain (DFP) and its impact on daily living in PsA in Singapore.MethodsA cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted using clinical data collected during a single-visit to a rheumatology clinic in Singapore. Records for adults with physician-diagnosed PsA were reviewed for sociodemographic information, disease characteristics, global disease activity and burden. Foot-specific measures included clinical assessment and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index used to define DFP and evaluate between-group differences.ResultsForty-two participants with PsA (83% female, 57% Chinese, 31% Malay, 9.5% Indian, mean (SD) age 54-years (16)) attended the rheumatology clinic over the study-period. The median (IQR) disease duration was 2-years (11) and all were taking current DMARDs. Global disease measures demonstrated mild-to-moderate global disease activity and mild functional impairment, and were significantly higher in those with DFP. Despite 90% reporting to be coping well with their condition, self-care and having emotional support (n = 38), this study sample demonstrated high levels of anxiety/depression (29%), sleep disturbance (34%) and fatigue (24%), and a lack of disease- and drug-specific knowledge (64%). Further management was indicated for medication adherence counselling (48%), occupational therapy (43%), physiotherapy (36%) and podiatry (30%). Nearly half had current foot pain with 40% reporting DFP (n = 17), which caused significantly greater difficulty walking 3 km than those without DFP (p < 0.05). Rearfoot enthesitis (plantar fasciitis, Achilles enthesitis) was the most common cause of DFP (67%) with pain lasting longer than 1-year. 72% were overweight or obese, with a high proportion not engaging in any cardiovascular exercise (70%). Three of 42 participants had previously seen a podiatrist.ConclusionsPeople with DFP in PsA experience more severe global disease activity, reduced mobility and higher levels of negative impact on their daily lives in Singapore. In the absence of working in a multidisciplinary-team, there is value in comprehensive assessments that have potential to capture a holistic view of personal impact and improve person-centred care in PsA.

Comparative effectiveness of endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, needle knife therapy, and conventional painkillers in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: a real-world evidence study

Plantar fascia (PF) is the commonest causes of foot pain in the adult population. Several surgical treatments are available to treat PF. This study was aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of three different treatments for plantar fasciitis. It was conducted among 60 patients, divided equally into three treatment groups named Needle Knife Therapy, Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, and Conventional Painkillers. Descriptive and analytical analysis were done by using SPSS 25 software. VAS and AOFAS scores were analyzed. The maximum (n = 31) participants were in 41–60 year age range group with normal BMI. These differences of mean VAS and AOFAS pain scores between different treatment groups were statistically significant (One-way ANOVA, p < 0.01). Both scores found lower in the Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy group. This study opens a new window of knowledge to achieve sustained pain relief and functional improvement. Moreover, the superiority of Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy in treating plantar fasciitis compared to Needle Knife Therapy and Conventional Painkillers was explored.

Differences In Foot Characteristics Between The Involved And Uninvolved Sides In People With Plantar Fasciitis

Differences In Foot Characteristics Between The Involved And Uninvolved Sides In People With Plantar Fasciitis

Letter to the Editor regarding "Comparison of High-intensity Laser Therapy with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial".

Letter to the Editor regarding "Comparison of High-intensity Laser Therapy with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial".

Comparative Analysis of Platelet-rich Plasma and Triamcinolone Acetonide Injections in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Study

Abstract Context: Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent cause of heel pain, poses challenges in treatment due to diverse therapeutic options and variable outcomes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections have emerged as potential interventions, yet their comparative effectiveness remains debated. Aims: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of PRP and TA injections in relieving pain, improving function, and promoting healing in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Settings and Design: The study design was a prospective, hospital-based, experimental study. Subjects and Methods: A 2-year prospective hospital-based experimental study was conducted, enrolling patients aged 30–60 years with plantar fasciitis. Patients received either PRP or TA injections. Preoperative assessments and 3 months of monitoring were performed. Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) survey was utilized for outcome evaluation. Statistical Analysis Used: T-test was applied. Results: Ninety patients were included, with both treatment groups demonstrating significant improvement in foot symptoms. PRP administration showed superiority in descending and ascending stairs, rising from sitting, and walking on flat surfaces compared to TA. FAOS scores indicated significant improvement posttreatment in both groups, with PRP yielding better outcomes than TA. Conclusions: Both PRP and TA injections effectively alleviate foot symptoms in plantar fasciitis patients. However, PRP demonstrates superior outcomes in specific functional activities and quality-of-life components compared to TA. These findings suggest PRP as a preferred intervention in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Effect of extracorporeal shockwave on gait parameters in patients with plantar fascitis: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPlantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain affecting both young active patients and older sedentary individuals. It most often arises as a result of degenerative changes in the proximal plantar fascia.AimThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave on gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis.DesignA randomized controlled clinical trial.SettingThe outpatient physiotherapy clinic of the teaching hospital Shibin El Kom.MethodsParticipants were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group (A) (study group): received extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session per week and traditional treatment (ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises) three sessions per week for 4 weeks. Group (B)(the control group): received traditional treatment (ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises) 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The pre- and post-treatment development of the patients was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) to measure pain, foot function index (FFI) to measure foot function, and Kinovea software to analyze gait parameters (stride length, stride time, walking speed, and cadence).ResultsBoth groups showed improvement in all study variables, but the study group showed more improvement. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAS (p = 0.001), a significant decrease in FFI (p = 0.001), a significant increase in stride length (p = 0.001), a significant decrease in stride time (p = 0.001), a significant increase in walking speed (p = 0.001), and a significant increase in cadence (p = 0.01) post-treatment compared to group (B).ConclusionExtracorporeal shockwave treatment is regarded as a useful treatment for improving gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis.Clinical rehabilitation impactExtracorporeal shockwave therapy improved gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis as it increases stride length, walking speed, cadence, and decreases stride time. So, it is recommended to be included in the rehabilitation program for patients with plantar fasciitis and gait disabilities.

Comparison of effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and peloidotherapy in patients with plantar fasciitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

Comparison of effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and peloidotherapy in patients with plantar fasciitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

Frequency of Trigger Points in Lower Extremity Muscles Among Runners with Plantar Fasciitis

Frequency of Trigger Points in Lower Extremity Muscles Among Runners with Plantar Fasciitis

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome with Multiple Drugs (Leflunomide and Cefuroxime): A Case Report

Background: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unexpected reactions to a medicine administered in the correct manner and at the proper dosage. Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome (DRESS syndrome) is a Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (SCAR) type of ADR with complicated clinical features involving several organ systems of the body; frequently involved organs are the liver, kidney, lungs, and other organs. Prompt recognition and correct diagnosis, followed by withdrawal of the causative agent, can promote appropriate treatment, accelerate recovery, and reduce the related morbidity and mortality. Case presentation: We have, herein, presented a case of a 42-year-old female with a history of leflunomide intake for plantar fasciitis. The patient subsequently developed fever, gastrointestinal tract disturbance, facial edema, liver injury, skin rash, hematologic abnormalities (eosinophilia), hepatosplenomegaly, and lymph node enlargement. The probability of leflunomide-induced DRESS syndrome was rated as “definite”, with seven scores graded by RegiSCAR. The suspected causative agent was withdrawn, and the patient was managed symptomatically. Following her management and discharge, she again encountered similar complaints after administration of the cefuroxime tablet. The causality assessment of the reactions was done using the WHO-UMC scale and Naranjo’s assessment scale, and a “probable” reaction was found for both drugs. Conclusion: The presented case contributes to the existing global literature regarding exceptional clinical presentations. Leflunomide and cefuroxime drugs have the potential to cause DRESS syndrome. Thus, they should be handled cautiously, and if such a reaction occurs, it should be reported to the responsible authorities.

Evaluation of Functional Outcome of Single Dose Intralesional Autologous Blood Vs Corticosteroid Injection in Chronic Plantar Fascitis

Introduction: Plantar fascitis is one of the main underlying causes of acute and chronic heel pain. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms and most of the time diagnostic imaging is not required routinely. Corticosteroid injection and autologous blood injection has been a possible means of treatment. Injection of autologous blood can help stimulate a healing response in chronic tendon disorders. Aims: To compare the functional outcome of single dose intra-lesional injection of autologous blood and corticosteroid in chronic plantar fascitis. Methods: This study was done in Nepalgunj medical college and teaching hospital during the period of March 2023 to August 2023 in the department of orthopedics. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study with 30 patients in each group. The patients were selected according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria and diagnosis made on clinical examination alone. The pain status was noted on the visual analog scale and the activity level noted based on the Nirschl stage. The final outcome was based on our scoring system based on the pain status and the activity level at two, four- and twelve-weeks’ duration and graded into four categories as excellent, good, and acceptable and poor. Results: We found that in chronic plantar fascitis, local intralesional steroid injection gives better pain relief and faster return to activities of daily living compared to autologous blood injections. In our study we found that 17.85% had excellent outcome, 35.72% had good outcome and 12% had acceptable outcome in steroid group, whereas in autologous blood group 7.40% had excellent, 22.22% had good and 70.37% had acceptable outcome respectively. Conclusion: Intralesional steroid injection in chronic plantar fascitis have shown to achieve better functional outcome than autologous blood injection.

Plantar Fascia Thickness and Stiffness in Healthy Individuals vs Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a major cause of heel pain, resulting from repetitive trauma to the plantar fascia and leading to structural changes within the fascia. It has been observed that plantar fascia thickness in plantar fasciitis patients exceeds that of normal individuals. However, the biomechanical properties of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare plantar fascia stiffness between healthy individuals and patients with plantar fasciitis across different areas. Fifty-eight participants were divided into 2 groups: 29 healthy individuals and 29 individuals with plantar fasciitis. B-mode ultrasonography was used to assess plantar fascia thickness, whereas shear wave elastography was employed to measure plantar fascia stiffness. The study focused on 3 distinct areas: calcaneal insertion, 1-cm distal area, and 2-cm distal area. Additionally, the most painful area reported by patients was marked in the plantar fasciitis group. The findings showed that the plantar fasciitis group exhibited significantly greater plantar fascia stiffness in almost all areas compared to the healthy group (P < .05). Moreover, the stiffness of the plantar fascia in the most painful area demonstrated the highest value compared with other areas within the plantar fasciitis group (P < .05). This study suggests structural and mechanical changes in the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Quality of life in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Duhok government, Kurdistan of Iraq

Background and objectives: Spondylarthritis is a broad spectrum of chronic inflammatory diseases, and one of its of phenotypes is ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis can impact the quality of life and health status because of pain, fatigue, and stiffness. This study aims to evaluate health-related quality of life and extra-articular manifestation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Iraq /Duhok city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Duhok Center of Rheumatic Diseases. This study was conducted from the first of June 2022 to the end of November 2022 and ninety-two ankylosing spondylitis patients were enrolled and had their quality of life assessed. The assessment of Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire was used, which is divided into four categories: social interaction, emotional health, disease activity, and physical function. Results: Most of the patients were diagnosed between age 25 and 34 years, more than 90% of the participants were males only 6.5 % were females. The mean value of the total Quality of life score of patients with ankylosing spondylitis was 32.1. %. The patients had bilateral sacroiliitis (90.22%), peripheral arthritis (54.35%), plantar fasciitis (43.48%), and anterior uveitis (22.83%). The HLA-B27 was positive for 60.87% and 93.48% had spinal involvement. A small percentage did moderate physical activity (10.8%). patients with normal sleepers (63.04%), and those who were able to walk (94.57%). The study showed that the total QoL score of short sleepers had worse scores compared to the normal sleepers (41.67 vs. 27.76; P&lt;0001) was statistically significant. Conclusion: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition that needs assessment. The disease affects the quality of life, causing functional disability and reduced activity.

Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture Versus Non-surgical Modalities for Treating Plantar Fasciitis: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Plantar fasciitis, or plantar heel pain, causes inflammation of the plantar fascia due to various causes, with no clear consensus on the treatment protocol. Standard first-line treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. Second-line treatment prior to surgery includes extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound-guided (USG) therapy, corticosteroid injection (CSI), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Recently, the use of acupuncture treatment has been gaining popularity, with increasing published evidence showing its effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis. The objective of this study was to determine whether acupuncture intervention was a viable alternative treatment method for managing plantar fasciitis when compared to ESWT, USG therapy, CSI, and PRP injection. Data sources from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were reviewed. Clinical trials were searched from their inception over the period of January 2000 to October 2020. A total of 32 relevant papers were included for analysis, totaling 2390 samples. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores measuring pain were analyzed in terms of outcome after one and three months of treatment. Each time point was analyzed separately through a network meta-analysis using the frequentist approach. VAS scores for each intervention at baseline and the two-time points (i.e., one and three months) were included in the comprehensive meta-analysis. Then, differences in VAS scores were calculated in R studio (V4.1.2; RStudio: Integrated Development for R,RStudio, Inc., Boston, USA) using the netmeta package. The netmeta package was also used to perform the network meta-analysis and generate corresponding figures. Direct and indirect effects were assessed and visualized through a direct evidence plot and a node-splitting forest plot. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs involving treatments of acupuncture, ESWT, USG therapy, CSI, or PRP injection, either in comparison with each other or with a placebo, were included in our review. Our meta-analysis showed that at one month, VAS scores for acupuncture treatment had the highest mean difference (MD) of -1.33 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -2.19 to -0.46) compared to placebo, indicating thatacupuncture treatment was more effective than other treatment arms when compared to placebo. Analysis at threemonths showed that the highest-ranked treatment was PRP injection, with an MD of -2.67 (95% CI = -6.23 to 0.89). However, the CI for the net effect of all treatments crossed the null effect on the forest plot, indicating no statistically significant difference between the treatment and placebo. Acupuncture treatment should be considered as a second-line treatment for treatment of plantar fasciitis together with other common treatment options such as ESWT, PRP injection, CSI, and USG therapy. Further long-term studies measuring acupuncture treatment outcomes would be beneficial in the future.

Comparative Study of Ultrasound - Guided PRP Injection vs Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Two - Year Review of 100 Cases

Comparative Study of Ultrasound - Guided PRP Injection vs Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Two - Year Review of 100 Cases

Investigation of The Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients Diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis: Comparison of Radial and Focus Applications

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of radial and focus (extracorporeal shock wave therapy) ESWT treatment on pain, function and size of the calcaneal spur in patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. A total of 112 patients aged between 18 and 95 years, were divided into 2 groups; group 1, rESWT (2.4 bar 12 hz 2000 beats), group 2 received fESWT (0.14 bar 14 hz 1000 beats) 3 times a week for 3 weeks. All patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-pain and Foot Function Index before and after the treatment, at 4 week and 12 weeks. Calcaneal spur size was measured radiographically in the patients before and after the treatment at the 12th week follow-up. According to our records, VAS scores were found to be similar between the groups before treatment and at follow-ups (all p > .05). In both groups, a significant decrease in VAS scores was found in the follow-ups compared to before treatment (p < .001). FFI total, pain, activity and disability scores were found to be similar between the groups before treatment and at follow-up (all p > .05). In both groups, a significant decrease in Foot Function Index scores was found in the follow-ups compared to before treatment (p < .001). Both of rESWT and fESWT were effective in plantar fasciitis treatment there were no significant difference between 2 modalities in long term.

Levitating Magnetic Insoles: A Novel Approach to Alleviating Plantar Fasciitis Through the Reduction and Redistribution of Plantar Pressures

Plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of foot pain, affects a significant portion of the population, with an estimated prevalence of 10% during an individual’s lifetime. This debilitating condition can result in substantial healthcare costs and decreased quality of life. The pain is attributed to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is crucial for supporting the foot's arch. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include obesity, sedentary lifestyles, improper footwear, and biomechanical abnormalities. Current treatment options are primarily conservative, with varying levels of success. In response, an affordable, lightweight, and soft, magnetic insole was developed as a novel approach to alleviate plantar fasciitis by reducing and redistributing plantar pressures with neodymium magnets. The final prototype achieves a magnetic repulsion force of approximately 84.57 lbs. and incorporates sensor modules to monitor data. The device also facilitates real-time data visualization between Arduino and personal devices, providing valuable insights into plantar pressure and walking characteristics for various patients. Data analysis and structural optimization are further enhanced through the use of MATLAB and Excel, which generate heatmaps to visualize plantar pressure distribution. Future research should focus on increasing the magnetic intensity to improve pain relief effectiveness and incorporating personalized disease-specific adjustments to optimize the magnet placement within the sole. By addressing the prevalent issue of foot pain and offering a potential solution for plantar fasciitis, our levitating magnetic insoles demonstrate significant potential for enhancing the quality of life for a large portion of the population.

Effectiveness of neurokinetic therapy on pain and plantar fascia thickness among patients with plantar fasciitis

Objectives: Identify the effectiveness of neurokinetic therapy on pain and plantar fascia thickness in patients with plantar fasciitis. Method: An experimental study was performed on 80 patients with plantar fasciitis after screening based on selection criteria. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: the neurokinetic therapy group (n = 40) and the foot core exercises group (n = 40). In both groups, the treatments were given for two weeks, five days each week. The pre-and post-test results were assessed. A statistical analysis was performed on the gathered data. Result: A significant statistical difference was observed between the groups; the post-test mean value of the Foot Function Index scale in the neurokinetic therapy group was 129.12, while in the foot core exercises group was 141.42. Additionally, the post-test mean value of the therapeutic ultrasound in the neurokinetic therapy group was 3, whereas in the foot core exercises group was 3.38. These values yielded a p-value of less than 0.001. Conclusion: This study demonstrated an improvement in both groups. However, the neurokinetic therapy group showed a significant improvement in pain, functionality, and plantar fascia thickness compared to the foot core exercises group. Level of evidence IV; Experimental study.