Effectiveness of Plantar Fascia-Specific Stretching Exercises in Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Aim: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a painful and disabling disease that affects the quality of life and daily activities of patients and it is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. In primary treatment, conservative treatment is suggested and different conservative options are described in the literature. In our study, we evaluated the efficacy of plantar fascia-specific stretching exercises in the treatment of PF. Methods: Twenty-nine feet - 21 patients with the mean age of 49.3 years were included in the study. The mean length of follow-up was 19.8 months and the mean length of exercise period was 4.94 months. Non-weight bearing plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise was done twice daily, for 10 times at each session. In addition to exercises, silicone heel pad and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were added. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used for pain evaluation. Results: Full recovery detected in 15 feet in 10 patients (52%) and a decrease in pain was seen in 10 feet in 8 patients (34%). There was no response in 4 feet in 3 patients (14%). There was statistically significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment visual analog scale scores (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise is an effective treatment option in PF.

Keywords

• Plantar fasciitis
• plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise
• painful heel treatment