Effect of myofascial release with lower limb strengthening on plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Materials and Methodology: Both male and female patients with previously diagnosed plantar fasciitis and having symptoms such as painful first step in the morning, calcaneal soreness on palpation were included in the study and patients with ankle or foot surgery, lower limb spasticity were excluded from the study. A comparative study was done where the subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups – Group A Myofascial Release group (MFR) who received manual myofascial release protocol and Group B Myofascial Release and Lower Limb Strengthening (MFR-LLS) group who received lower limb strengthening protocol in addition to same MFR protocol. Both groups were given Ultrasound Therapy in addition to their respective protocol. Myofascial Release and Lower Limb Strengthening Exercises was given to the patient 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome Measure were Foot Function Index and Visual Analogue Scale. Myofascial release with lower limb strengthening was effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. There were significant changes on the Visual Analogue Scale and Foot Function Index. According to the results of data analysis it was found that myofascial release is significantly effective when given with lower limb strengthening program for reducing pain and improving the functional status in subjects with Plantar Fasciitis.