Plantar Fascial Taping
Hyland et al. (2006) conducted a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of “calcaneal taping” on the management on plantar fasciosis. The study consisted of four treatment groups:
1) plantar fascia stretching
2) calcaneal taping
3) sham-taping
4) no treatment
The stretch group received a long toe flexor stretch to be held for 30 seconds and repeated three times daily. The calcaneal tape consisted on three strips of Coveroll tape and three strips of Leukotape tape applied in a specific manner to invert the calcaneus and unload the plantar fascia (see picture on our website “health professionals” section). The sham-taping group used the same tape mentioned above;
The study indicates that after one week of treatment, there were statistically significant improvements in self-reported visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and an increase in the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) for those treated with the calcaneal tape (2). The sham-taping and stretching group did not reveal significant change in either VAS or PFPS.
In conclusion, the calcaneal taping technique is a user-friendly tool to provide individuals with pain control and increase in function for those experiencing an acute stage of plantar fasciosis.
REFERENCE:
1. Lemont H, Ammirati K, Usen N. (2003). Plantar Fasciitis: A Degenerative Process (Fasciosis) Without Inflammation. Clinical Pathology. 93;3, 234-237
2. Hyland M, Webber-Gaffney A, Cohen L, Lichtman S. (2006). Randomized Controlled Trail of Calcaneal Taping, Sham Taping and Plantar Fascia Stretching for the Short-Term Management of Plantar Heel Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 36;6. 364-371