The Influence of Taping on Pressure Distribution in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of taping when combined with other physical therapy modalities on pain, functional disability, and foot pressure distribution in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis. Subjects and Methods: Thirty subjects (16 males and 14 females), 15 of which with unilateral plantar fasciitis and 15 normal subjects, their age ranges from 32 to 51 years. Patients treated with ultrasonic and stretching exercises in addition to application of Low Dye taping for 2 weeks. Pain intensity evaluated by VAS. Functional disability questionnaire was used for assessment of functional disability of foot. Foot pressure distribution of the affected foot measured during single and bilateral limb support as a percentage of total body weight on 6 masks before and after the treatment in patients with unilateral planter fasciitis (Group A). Foot pressure distribution of patients compared with that of normal subjects (Group B). Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the mean values of the pain intensity and functional disability significantly decreased after treatment. The foot pressure distribution on the affected side significantly improved with treatment in comparison to normal subjects. Conclusion: It was concluded that Low-Dye taping with other physical therapy modalities is effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Taping could be included in management of those patients.