Effectiveness of Intrinsic Muscle Exercises and Plantar Fascia Stretching on Pain and Functional Ability in Subjects with Chronic Plantar Fascitis

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar fascitis is a degenerative irritation of the plantar fascia origin at the medial calcaneal tuberosity of
the heel and surrounding perifascial structures. The plantar fascia plays an important role in the normal biomechanics
of the foot and comprises three segments arising from the calcaneus. Common causes are excessive pronation, high-im
pact activities, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, obesity, and age. The most common plantar fascitis symptoms
include pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel.
Methods: 30 patients with plantar fasciitis were selected for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All 30
patients received plantar fascia stretching exercises and intrinsic foot exercises for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The
outcome measures were Pain intensity measured by VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and functional ability assessed by the
FADI (Foot and Ankle Disability Index).
Results: The results revealed differences in VAS ( p= 0.00 >0.05 at 95% Confidence Interval) and in improving Functional
Ability in FADI (p= 0.00 >0.05 at 95% Confidence Interval).
Conclusion: This study can conclude that combining Plantar fascia stretching exercises and Intrinsic foot exercises pos
itively improves pain and functional ability in individuals with Chronic Plantar Fascitis