A Study on Effect of Myofascial Release in Plantar Fascitis

Background: Plantar fascitis has been reported across a wide sample of the community. In the non athletic population, it is most frequently seen in weight bearing occupations. 65% of non sports demographics are over weight, with unilateral involvement most common in 70% of cases. Second major distribution of plantar fasciitis is in the athletic population, 10% of all running athletes. Basket ball, tennis, football, long distance runner and dance have all noted high frequency of plantar fasciitis.1

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of myofascial release(MFR) in relieving pain and improving functional status in patients with plantar fascitis.

Materials and method: Study included 30 (Thirty) patients with Chronic case of plantar fascitis between age group of years. The patients were treated for a period of 10 days. Pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale and Functional Disability was measured by foot function index.

Results: The results were analyzed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.Group A showed significant improvement in Pain (T= 120, p < 0.01), FFI (T = 120, p < 0.01).

In Group B, results showed significant improvement in Pain ( T= 55,p < 0.01), FFI( T = 55, p < 0.01).

Comparision of Group A and Group B was done with Wilcoxon Rank sum test ( Mann Whitney U test ), Group A showed significant improvement in Pain (Z = 4.41 , p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Manual therapy in the form of myofascial release showed overall significant improvement in Pain and Functional status. Hence it can be concluded that myofascial release is an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of plantar fascitis