Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, particularly during initial steps after rest. It negatively impacts gait, mobility, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions such as stretching, strengthening, electrotherapy, and taping techniques are commonly used for management. Among these, Low-Dye taping and calcaneal taping provide biomechanical support by reducing strain on the plantar fascia and improving foot posture; however, comparative evidence between the two is limited.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Dye taping versus calcaneal taping in reducing pain and improving foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 36 participants will be randomly assigned to either intervention group and treated over a two-week period. Outcome measures will include pain (VAS), functional ability (FFI), ankle range of motion (goniometer), and gait analysis, assessed before and after intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v27, with statistical significance set at p \< 0.05.
Adults of 19 - 44 years old age.
Both genders will be included
Pain in plantar heel lasting more than three months
Clinical diagnosis of unilateral PF in compliance with the American
• Previous surgical intervention for plantar fasciitis.
Congenital abnormalities of foot.
Lower extremities affected by systemic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
Parallel
Low Dye Taping
Procedure/Surgery1. Taping through standard protocol 2. Conventional physical therapy 1. Calf and fascia stretch 2. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique: * Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area. * Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia. * Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle 3. Strengthening exercises
Calcaneal Taping
Procedure/Surgery1. Taping through standard protocol 2. Conventional physical therapy 1. Calf and fascia stretch 2. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique: * Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area. * Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia. * Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle 3. Strengthening exercises
Pain Intensity
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is used to measure pain. The tool comprises of a straight line, either horizontal or vertical, typically measuring 10 cm (or an acceptable length). It is marked with labels at each end that indicate the extreme values of the parameter being assessed, such as "no pain" and "worst possible pain" for evaluating pain intensity. The distance between the initial position and the mark made by the respondent is quantified and employed as a quantitative measure, usually falling within the range of 0 to 100. Higher 9 scores signify a higher level of intensity or severity.
Foot Functional Index
The Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire is a commonly used outcome measure tool for evaluating foot function and discomfort in persons with diverse foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis. The assessment is composed of three subscales: pain, disability, and activity limitation. Each subscale includes several items that are assessed on a Likert scale. The Foot Function Index (FFI) quantifies the influence of foot-related issues on everyday tasks, including walking, standing, and engaging in leisure activities. Scoring interpretation entails adding together the scores of individual items inside each subscale to calculate subscale scores. Higher scores indicate more significant foot dysfunction and discomfort
Range of Motion of foot
Goniometer will be used to measure Ranges of Motion (ROM). It generally comprises of two arms, one stationary and one adjustable, equipped with a protractor-like scale for the measurement of angles. The immobile arm is positioned in line with the bone closest to the joint, while the mobile arm is positioned in line with the bone farthest from the joint. By accurately aligning the goniometer and carefully studying the joint's motion, a precise measurement of the joint angle is acquired
Step Length
Step length will be assessed using observational gait analysis (OGA) through visual inspection and simple distance measurement. Unit of measurement is centimetres (cm)
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