Heel Spur, Planter Fasciitis
Conditions
Keywords
Myofascial Realease, Kinesiology Taping, Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy, Foot Pain
Brief summary
The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy used alone versus myofascial release combined with clinical taping for individuals with heel spurs. The trial aims to evaluate improvements in pain, foot function, and overall disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specified duration. The primary outcome is pain reduction, while secondary outcomes include improved foot function and reduced disability. The hypothesis is that the combination of myofascial release and taping will result in significantly greater clinical improvements compared to myofascial release alone.
Detailed description
Heel spur is a common musculoskeletal condition often associated with chronic plantar heel pain and functional limitations. This study will evaluate the added value of clinical taping when used in conjunction with Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. Combining these approaches may offer a complementary effect by addressing both the soft tissue restrictions through manual therapy and providing mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback via taping. The trial uses a randomized controlled design to compare two intervention groups. Participants diagnosed with heel spurs will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group. The experimental group will receive standardized Myofascial Release sessions focusing on the plantar fascia and posterior chain musculature, followed by the application of therapeutic taping. The comparison group will receive the Myofascial Release protocol alone. Both interventions will be provided for a set duration, with sessions occurring twice per week. The study aims to investigate whether the addition of taping results in greater improvements in pain intensity, foot function, and overall disability. Outcome measures, including pain scales and functional assessment tools, will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the treatment period. The trial will be carried out at clinics in Lahore to ensure standardized procedures and consistent delivery across sessions.
Interventions
OTHERMyofascial Release with Clinical Taping
Participants will receive a 45-minute intervention session. The integrated components consist of manual myofascial release techniques followed by the application of clinical taping to the affected foot.
OTHERMyofascial Release Alone
Participants will receive the same 30 minutes of specialized myofascial release (MFR) manual therapy targeting the plantar fascia and calf musculature. No clinical taping will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to ensure a consistent treatment frequency with the experimental group.
Sponsors
Green International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
This study uses single masking in which the outcome assessor is blinded to group allocation. Participants will be assigned to either the Myofascial Release with taping group or the Myofascial Release only group by an independent researcher who is not involved in assessment. The assessor responsible for recording baseline and post intervention outcomes (VAS and FFI scores) will not be informed of the participants' intervention group. To maintain blinding, participants will be instructed not to disclose their group assignment during assessments.
Intervention model description
This study uses a randomized, parallel-group design in which participants diagnosed with heel spur are assigned into one of two intervention arms. Participants will be randomly allocated to either: (1) Myofascial Release combined with taping, or (2) Myofascial Release alone. Both group will receive the same standardized Myofascial Release protocol, while only the experimental group will receive additional taping after each therapy session. The outcome assessor will be blinded to group assignment to minimize measurement bias. The interventions will be delivered over a 4 weeks period, and outcomes will be compared between groups to evaluate the added effect of taping when used alongside Myofascial Release..
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 30-40 years * Both males and females * Clinically or radiographically confirmed heel spur * Pain intensity ≥ 3 on Visual Analog Scale * Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks * Able to attend treatment sessions 3 times per week * Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Previous foot or heel surgery * Current physiotherapy treatment for heel pain * Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, radiculopathy) * Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout) * Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the foot * Open wounds, skin infection, or allergy to tape * Corticosteroid injection in the last 3 months * Pregnancy * Any medical condition preventing safe participation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention. | Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants mark their pain level on a 100mm line ranging from "no pain" (0) to "worst imaginable pain" (100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Function | Baseline and 4 weeks | The FFI will be used to assess changes in foot related functional limitations. The FFI evaluates pain, disability, and activity restriction related to foot conditions. Scores range 0 to 100, with high scores indicating greater impairment. This outcome will determine the improvement in functional ability following 4 weeks of Myofascial Release with or without taping. |
| Disability level | Baseline and 4 weeks | The Disability subscale of the Foot Function index will measure the degree to which heel pain affects daily activities, including walking, standing, and mobility tasks. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values reflecting greater disability. This outcome will evaluate the reduction in functional disability after the intervention period. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed