Conservative Therapy Interventions in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is frequently seen in adult population as a pain related problem of the foot. Pain, as a most prominent symptom, is caused from repetitive microtraumas and inflammation where plantar fascia attaches to the calcaneus. Pain starts from heel pad or medial tubercule of the calcaneus and spreads through plantar fascia and medial longitudinal arch.

Obesity, increased foot pronation, difference in extremity length, long standing duration and Achilles tendon tightness are some of the factors which stress plantar fascia and sometimes cause degenerative changes on it. Weakness of intrinsic muscle is also another factor which is thought to be related with plantar fasciitis.

Diagnosis is mostly depends on history and physical examination. First steps in the morning, walking after long rest, and palpation of medial tubercule of calcaneus are painful.

According to the literature, non-surgical treatment modalities relieve symptoms of patients successfully. Orthotics, night splints, manipulation interventions with conventional methods are effective to decrease pain and improve function. There are various physiotherapy treatment approaches in plantar fasciitis but there is no consensus about most effective treatment program. Stretching of plantar flexor muscles and plantar fascia is one of the core elements of the treatment plan. Strengthening exercises together with stretching were shown more effective than only stretching. Foot orthoses are thought to prevent increased pronation and relieving stress on plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis. Usage of insoles with night splints is found more effective. Taping is also helpful to acute pain control. Short foot exercises as isolated intrinsic foot muscles strengthening helps to providing subtalar foot position and supports plantar fascia and foot arches. Manual techniques improve lower extremity joint mobility and decreases related pain. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is suggested to try after at least six month ineffective conservative treatments. If symptoms resist more than six months and non-conservative treatments are found ineffective, invasive approaches as steroid injections are applicable.

Treatment of this common problem in population is important to ensure patients returning in earliest period to daily life with full physical capacity. There are many conservative options to treat plantar fasciitis but best treatment program combination was not clear The aim of this study is to compare intensive physiotherapy program, home based exercise program and control group decide the most effective rehabilitation program in plantar fasciitis.