Comparison of the different conservative therapy interventions in plantar fasciitis

In the present study, it is aimed to compare the differences between different conservative treatments in patients with plantar fasciitis, which is a common cause of foot pain, and to determine the most effective rehabilitation program in terms of measured parameters. A total of 47 subjects (mean age: 40.89 ±12.45±; 31 females, 16 males) who were between 20-65 years of age with plantar fasciitis (PF) were included in the study. In the context of the study, 84 feet of the subjects with PF were allocated into three groups as intensive physiotherapy group (IPG - manual interventions, stretching and strengthening exercises, and insoles), home-based exercise program (HBEP - stretching and strengthening exercises, and insoles), and control group (CG – insoles) by using computer generated randomization program. Pain intensity, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, foot functional level, functional walking capacity, and health-related quality of life were evaluated before and after treatment. One-way ANOVA Analysis test was used to determine the difference between the groups, and paired sample t test was used for intragroup analysis. Pain severity and functional foot evaluations showed improvements in all groups, active dorsiflexion range of joint motion and overall health satisfaction improved in IPG and CG (p<0.05). Passive dorsiflexion range of joint motion were improved in IPG and enviromental part of quality of life was better in CG after the treatment (p<0.05) within the groups. There was no difference between the groups after the treatment (p>0.05). As a result of this study, it was emphasized the importance of creating special treatment programs for the patients and their needs in the clinics. Key Words: Foot, exercise, physiotherapy, plantar fasciitis