Comparative Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping and Low Dye Taping In Improving Pain and Disability in Subjects with Plantar Fasciitis
Background: PF also known as the painful heel syndrome occurs in both males and females is primarily an overuse injury involving the inflammation of the fascia on the plantar surface of the foot and microtears of the plantar fascia at its insertion on the calcaneus. Conservative treatment involving the use of strapping or structural correction is a first line intervention for PF treatment. The knowledge gained on the effectiveness of Kinesio taping versus Low Dye taping, and which is the superior form of strapping for PF, may assist the practitioner in achieving a better and comprehensive treatment plan of PF. Objective: To find out the comparative effectiveness of kinesiotaping in conjunction with conventional treatment and low dye taping in conjunction with conventional treatment for improving heel pain and disability in subjects with Plantar fasciitis. Study design: Randomized control trial Setting: Participants were enrolled from Safdarjung Hospital Sports Injury Centre, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, ISIC Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences Patients: 45 subjects who were diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in the study Intervention: All the three groups received home exercises and supervised conventional exercise programme. The two experimental groups received Kinesiotaping and Low Dye Taping respectively. Measurements: Outcome measures included Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS 11) Revised Foot Function Index (RFFI) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Results: There was significant improvement in Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS 11) Revised Foot Function Index (RFFI) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) within the groups at 1 week post intervention. Between groups analysis showed significant improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Limitations: Small sample size (n=45).no follow ups done. Conclusion: Addition of Kinesiotaping to the conventional group brought significant difference from conventional therapy group alone in improving first step pain (VAS) after one week of intervention but there was significant improvement in each group after one week post intervention.