COMBINED EFFECT OF FOAM ROLLER AND GASTROCNEMIUS RELEASE ON PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University

10.21608/iptccu.2024.456814

Abstract

Background : Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of plantar fascia with a classical sign that worst pain occurs in the first step in the morning. Gastrocnemius tightness has been long associated with plantar fasciitis. Foam roller showed effectiveness in increasing pain pressure threshold at gastrocnemius. Purpose To investigate the combined effect of foam roller and gastrocnemius release on pain intensity, ankle and big toe dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and foot function. Subjects and Methods A total of 60 patients complaining from heel pain in the morning with first step, tenderness on medial calcaneus and symptoms decreasing with slight activity and worsening toward the end of the day. patients assigned into 2 equal groups, Group A: 30 patients received only conventional treatment (Ultrasound therapy (US), Active plantar stretching, Rest) Group B: 30 patients received same as group A plus combining both foam roller and gastrocnemius release. Results: There was a statistical significant difference post treatment between both groups in pain intensity measured by (VAS), ankle and big toe dorsiflexion (ROM) using electro goniometer and foot function using foot function index (FFI) (p=0.001), mean value of pain were decreased more significantly in group B than group A, mean values of ankle and big toe dorsi flexion ROM were increased more significantly in group B than group A, mean values of (FFI) were decreased more significantly in group B than group A. Conclusion : It was concluded that combining both foam roller and gastrocnemius release along with conventional treatment is more effective on pain intensity, ankle and big toe dorsiflexion ROM and foot function than using conventional treatment only

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