2024, Vol. 11, Issue 2, Part C

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common foot disorder in which patients have pain and tenderness at the sole of the foot. Rest, exercises, orthotics, taping, cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, whirlpool bath, and iontophoresis have been widely used to relieve plantar pain. Long term use of manual therapy techniques like myofascial release technique, positional release therapy and passive stretching have been used in the past to reduce pain and improve ankle range of motion.

Materials and Methods: A total of 45 participants with chronic plantar fasciitis with an age group of 30-45 years were randomly allocated to Group A (myofascial release group) and Group B (positional release group) and Group C (passive stretching). Iontophoresis with DC mode for 5 min was given for a single session to all the patients and then given the manual techniques. The intervention was given twice a week for 8 weeks and follow-up was done after 4 weeks. At the end 8 weeks and again after one month, the subjects were assessed by Range of motion of the ankle and foot function index scales were outcome measures that were assessed.

Results: The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in ROM and foot functional ability, in all three groups (p>0.05). ROM and foot functional ability showed significant (p>0.05) improvement was more in Group A (MFR) as compared to Group B (PRT) and Group C (PS).

Conclusion: Myofascial release technique was effective in improving range of motion and function in unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis there by rejecting Null Hypothesis and accepting Alternate Hypothesis.