Title: The Short-Term Effects of Treating Plantar Fasciitis With a Temporary Custom Foot Orthosis and Stretching
Abstract: Study Design Prospective single-group cohort study. Objective To identify the effectiveness of a temporary custom foot orthosis (TCFO), followed by a stretching program, for the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). Background PF, a common cause of heel pain, often leads to disability. Optimal treatment for this often challenging clinical condition is still unknown. Methods Fifteen individuals with PF were recruited from the general public. All participants received a TCFO and were instructed to wear it for 2 weeks while weight bearing. Following the initial 2 weeks, participants were weaned off of the TCFO and instructed to begin a daily stretching program. Follow-up appointments occurred at 2, 4, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures included first-step heel pain via numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living subscale (FAAM-A), and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure sports subscale (FAAM-S). Secondary outcome included the global rating of change (GRC) score. Results Individuals with a primary complaint of plantar foot pain entered and completed this study. Repeated-measures ANOVAs for the NPRS, FAAM-A, and FAAM-S showed statistically significant changes (P<.001). Post hoc analysis using paired t tests demonstrated statistically and clinically significant change at all follow-up times, compared to the initial intervention (P<.001). Mean GRC scores at 2, 4, and 12 weeks were 4.4, 4.5, and 4.2, respectively. Conclusion In treating PF, a TCFO used for 2 weeks, followed by a stretching program, provided preliminary evidence that first-step heel pain and foot and ankle function improve in the short term and up to 12 weeks. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(4):221–231, Epub 2 February 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3348
Publication Year: 2011
Publication Date: 2011-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 39
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