Kinesio Tape Application in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Can Kinesio Tape Negatively Affect the Treatment by Creating a Hard Floor in Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is a prospective randomized clinical trial. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (r-ESWT) is accepted as one of the most effective treatment modalities for plantar fasciitis (PF). Kinesio taping (KT) applied to the plantar fascia can provide patients with PF some benefits, but there no enough evidence about this topic. This study analysed the acute effect of adding KT to r-ESWT, on pain, foot function and flexibility when treating PF.

The study was performed on 42 patients with unilateral PF, that were randomly assigned into wo groups receiving four sessions of either r-ESWT or r-ESWT+KT treatment once per week. All patients performed home exercises. Patients' pain levels were evaluated via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and foot function via the Foot Function Index (FFI). Flexibility was assessed through gastro-soleus and plantar fascia flexibility tests. The evaluations were done before and one week after the final treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of unilateral plantar fasciitis,
• The presence of a heel spur on a lateral radiograph

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower extremity surgeries or traumas,
• Systemic inflammatory disease,
• Steroid injections administered within the past six months,
• Pacemaker usage,
• Coagulation disorders,
• Use of anticoagulants.