N.C. Aishwarya, K. Venkata Sai
ABSTRACT
Background: Plantar fascia is often thought to develop from excessive stress on plantar fascia which is caused due to abnormal foot biomechanics. Taping is widely used intervention to correct the faulty biomechanics. This study aims at comparing the effects of calcaneal taping technique and windlass taping technique where the former corrects the biomechanics at rear foot and the latter at forefoot. Material and methods: This study was done out on sixty subjects with unilateral plantar fascia symptoms of age group 22- 60 years. Random allotment was done into both groups. Both groups were assessed for calcaneal angle and pain intensity before and immediately after the tape application in bilateral stance. Results: Pre–post comparison showed reduced calcaneal eversion angle and pain intensity in both groups. However, this reduction was not significant. Between-groups analysis showed significant reduction of calcaneal eversion angle in calcaneal taping group 3.4 (95% CI = -4.52 to -2.42 ̊) than windlass taping group. Reduction in pain intensity in calcaneal taping group was 20.7 (95% CI = -30.61 to -10.72) greater than in windlass taping group. Conclusion: Calcaneal taping provided better relief of symptoms with better biomechanical correction in short term when compared to windlass taping technique.
Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, Windlass, Taping, Calcaneal angle.