IMMEDIATEEFFECTOFMYOFASCIALRELEASEAND STRETCHING IN CHRONIC PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Abstract

Background:Oneofthemostcommonfootdisordersisplantarfasciitis,whichischaracterized byheelandarchdiscomfortthatisfrequentlymadeworsebythefirststepoftheday.Thefoot is an important connection between thehuman bodyand the groundbecauseit is essential for sustainingpostureandmobility.Forplantarfasciitis,anumberofphysiotherapytherapieshave beenwidelyrecommended,includingsiliconeheelcups,myofascialrelease,positionalrelease therapy, orthotic devices (night splints), rest, and taping. Cryotherapy, phonophoresis, laser therapy, microwave diathermy, iontophoresis, and contrast baths are other electrotherapy methods that have been used. Comparing the efficacy of myofascial release and ultrasound therapy vs stretching and ultrasound therapy in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis was the main goal of this study.

Methods: Thirty patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, ages 20 to 40, were enrolled in this comparative study, which used a pre- and post-experimental design. Every participant stated that their heel pain has persisted for longer than six months and is especially obvious when they take their first step in the morning. Patients with calcaneal fractures, tumours, metal implants around the ankle, dermatitis, impaired circulation in the lower extremities, sciatica- related pain, other neurological disorders, arthritis, or infective foot conditions were not allowed to participate in the study, which employed a random sampling technique. Group A had five minutes of continuous therapeutic ultrasound at a frequencyof 1 MHz and an output of1 W/cm². This was followed bythreerepetitions of90-second holds ofmyofascial release. Group B underwent the identical ultrasonography procedure and then performed stretches using
OutcomeMeasuresPre-andpost-treatmentmeasurementsofankledorsiflexionrangeof motion (ROM) and pain intensity were made using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results:Both paired and unpaired t-tests were used in the statistical analysis. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and pain reduction. However,comparedtoGroupB(stretching),GroupA(myofascialrelease)showedstatistically larger improvements in ankle dorsiflexion and pain.

Conclusion:Theresultsindicatethat,incomparisontostretchingexercises,myofascialrelease combined with ultrasound therapy is more beneficial in increasing ankle dorsiflexion and lowering discomfort in patients suffering from persistent plantar fasciitis.