Outpatient vs Home Management Protocol Results for Plantar Fasciitis.

Background: We compared the effectiveness of stretching and strengthening exercises combined with myofascial releasing and mobilization techniques to a stretching and strengthening only home program in plantar fasciitis (PF) management.

Method: The study included 53 feet of 47 patients with plantar fasciitis (35 women / 12 men; mean age 48.9±11.2 years). Pain, disability, and activity restrictions were assessed by Foot Function Index (FFI), and first step pain was graded by visual analog scale (VAS). Ankle range of motion (ROM), gastrocnemius-soleus flexibility, proprioception, dynamic balance, and foot sensation were also considered. The patients were randomly divided into outpatient clinic treatment (Outpatient, n = 27 feet) and home rehabilitation groups (Home, n = 26 feet). Patient education was routine for all at the beginning of the management programs. In the Outpatient group, the foot-ankle-hip exercise program, myofascial releasing, and joint and soft tissue mobilization techniques were "hands on" at a clinic (twice a week for 8 weeks), whereas the Home group completed their home rehabilitation program on their own (8 weeks' duration with follow-ups every week).

Results: VAS, FFI, ROM, balance, proprioception, foot sense, and flexibility improved at the eighth week in both groups according to intragroup comparison ( < .05). When the 2 groups were compared, the results of plantar flexion range, balance, proprioception, foot sensation, flexibility, FFI, and VAS showed significant improvements in the Outpatient vs the Home group ( < .05). Also, the FFI and VAS scores at the sixth month were superior in the Outpatient group ( < .05).

Conclusion: A combined supervised management protocol had superior clinical results in plantar fasciitis management.

Level Of Evidence: Level II, comparative study.