Comparative Study of Stretching of Foot & Hip Muscles along with Myofascial Release (MFR) V/S Strengthening of Foot & Hip Muscles along with MFR for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain in active as well as sedentary adults of all ages. The condition is more likely to occur in persons who are obese or in those who are on their feet most of the day. The muscles that help to invert and evert the ankle are much weaker in a person who is experiencing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The lack of adequate hip strength can lead to excess motion in the lower extremity that can place too much stress on the foot and cause plantar fasciitis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare effectiveness of Strengthening of foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles with hip abductors & lateral rotators along with Myofascial release vs Stretching of foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles with hip abductors & lateral rotators along with Myofascial release.

Methods and Materials: Randomised comparative case-controlled study. A randomized controlled trial was performed on 80 subjects (both gender) age group 25-55 years with diagnosis of planter fasciitis were divided into 2 equal groups. Group A subjects received MFR with Stretching. MFR technique was applied on sole of the foot by knuckles and by using tennis ball, 5 times/week for 2 mins. In stretching, static stretching was given by maintaining the position for 30 secs and rest of 10 sec is given, for 5 repetitions. This protocol was performed for 8 weeks. In group B, subjects received MFR techniques with strengthening exercise. MFR was given by knuckles for 1 min followed by MFR by using tennis ball for another 1 min. Strengthening was done for both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, Hip (Abductors & Lateral Rotators) by using TheraBand and weight-cuffs. TheraBand of different colours were used ranging from medium to high resistance. Weight-cuffs of 1kg and above is used according to patients’ condition for strengthening of abductors & lateral rotators of hip. Protocol was followed 5 times/week for 8 weeks. Data was collected on Day 1st (pre-test), 4th week (mid) and at the end of 8 weeks (post-test), for outcome measures of pain on VAS Scale and Foot Function on FFI Scale. Comparison between 2 groups was done on paired t-test.

Statistical Analysis Used: Comparison between the two groups was done on Paired T test. SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis.

Results: Results suggested that both form of exercises are effective in relief of pain & improvement in function but patients in Group B, which were given strength training with myofascial release were more improved in achieving pain relief and foot function as compare to group-A.

Conclusions: After 8 week of training it was found that Strengthening of foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles with hip abductors & lateral rotators along with Myofascial release has good results in patients with plantar fasciitis as compared to Stretching of foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles with hip abductors & lateral rotators along with Myofascial release.