Comparison of Myofascial Release on Calf Versus Plantar Fascia in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Suvarna N* and Thomas M

Department of Orthopaedics, India

*Corresponding Author: Suvarna N, Department of Orthopaedics, India.

Received: December 01, 2022; Published: February 11, 2023

Abstract

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults. Plantar fasciitis has been experienced by 10% of the population. Plantar fasciitis leads to prolonged disability and functional limitation and hence needs to be addressed as soon as possible. MFR stimulates fibroblast proliferation leading to collagen synthesis that may promote healing of plantar fascia by replacing degenerated tissue with stronger and more functional tissue. By MFR there is a change in the viscosity of the ground substance to a more fluid state which eliminates the fascia’s excessive pressure on the pain sensitive structure and restores proper alignment. Hence this technique is proposed to act as a catalyst in the resolution of plantar fasciitis.

Objective: To compare the effect of MFR on calf muscle and MFR on plantar fascia for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Method: 30 patients, 15 males and 15 females were included in this study and randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received MFR on calf and group 2 received MFR on plantar fascia. Both the group received therapeutic US and strengthening exercises for foot and ankle. The primary outcome measure was VAS, PFPS and FFI. The obtained data was analyzed using independent t test for between groups and paired t test for within group analysis.

Result: There was a statistically significant difference in within group analysis for VAS, PFPS and FFI. And statistically significant difference in the post VAS scores between the two groups.

Conclusion: The study showed that MFR on calf and MFR on plantar fascia were both equally effective in relieving pain, reducing disability and improving functions in patients with plantar fasciitis.

However MFR on calf showed better improvement in terms of pain relief in lesser number of sessions when compared to MFR on plantar fascia group.

Keywords: Myofascial; Plantar Fascia; Plantar Fasciitis

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Citation

Citation: Suvarna N and Thomas M. “Comparison of Myofascial Release on Calf Versus Plantar Fascia in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis”. Acta Scientific Orthopaedics 6.3 (2023): 96-105.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2023 Suvarna N and Thomas M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.