Effect of heel pad combined with ultrasound and stretching exercises in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using rubber heel pad during weight bearing activities in conjunction with ultrasound therapy and stretching exercises on pain and functional disability associated with plantar fasciitis, Forty subjects suffering from plantar fasciitis, were randomly assigned to either group one [GI] who received ultrasound therapy and stretching exercises or group two [G2] who received ultrasound therapy and the same exercises program as group one. In addition patients in G2 were instructed to use rubber heel pad throughout their weight bearing activities. Subjects in both groups were evaluated pre and post experimentally for pain and functional disability. Both groups received twelve sessions [one session every other day for four weeks]. Group one showed significant differences concerning both pain and functional disability, in comparing pre and post experimental evaluations. Group two, showed significant improvement in pain and functional disability, in comparing pre and post experimental evaluations. Comparison between results achieved in both groups showed significant differences in pain and functional disability improvements in favor of group two. Therefore, it was concluded that using rubber heel pad conjointly with physical therapy in the form of ultrasound therapy and stretching exercises is helpful in enhancing improvement of pain and functional performance in patients complaining from plantar fasciitis