| ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of Kinesio taping(KT)combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)on improving the pain and function in patients with plantar fasciitis.MethodsA total of 63 patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized into three groups: kinesio taping group(KT group),extracorporeal shock wave group(ESWT group)and combined group.All the three groups received manual stretching.For each patient,the therapeutic parameters such as visual analogue scale(VAS),ultrasonography and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)were applied to evaluate the pain,plantar fascia thickness and foot function before and after the treatment for 2 weeks,4 weeks respectively.Results(1)2 weeks after treatment,the VAS and AOFAS of the three groups improved significantly(P<0.01),and the thickness of plantar fascia of ESWT group and combined group improved significantly(P<0.01),compared to those before treatment.ESWT group and combined group showed significant improvement in all parameters compared to KT group,but there were no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).and combined group showed significant improvement in AOFAS(P<0.05).(2)4 weeks after treatment,the VAS,AOFAS and the thickness of plantar fascia of the three groups were all improved significantly(p<0.01)compared to those before treatment,and combined group showed significant improvement in all parameters compared to KT group and ESWT group(P<0.05).ConclusionsBoth KT and ESWT treatments improved pain and function and quality of life in patients with plantar fasciitis,and the effect of the combined treatment is more obvious. |
