Effect of phonophoresis and myofascial release in plantar fascitis

Abstract

Background and objectives: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory disorder that produces pain and stiffness in the plantar surface of the foot's heel and medial arch. It is particularly common in people in their forties and fifties, as well as those who participate in running activities. Individually, phonophoresis and myofascial release have been utilised in physiotherapy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis and have been shown to be beneficial in lowering discomfort and improving the patient's functional status. The goal of the study was to assess the effectiveness of phonophoresis and myofascial release in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Method: A total of 20 individuals were divided into two groups, each with ten subjects of both sexes. Phonophoresis treatment was given to group A, while myofascial treatment was given to group B. On the first and tenth days of the intervention, data was obtained from all patients using two parameters: VAS and FFI. Result: This study found a substantial difference between groups A (phonophoresis) and B (non-phonophoresis) (myofascial release). The mean SD VAS for group A was 4.800.94, while that for group B was 3.931.09, with a p value of (0.41), and the mean SD FFI for group A was 0.440.09, while that for group B was 0.310.17, with a p value of (0.015). Conclusion: In patients with plantar fascitis, phonophoresis was found to be more helpful than myofascial release in lowering pain and improving functional status.