The Short-Term Effects of Treating Plantar Fasciitis With a Temporary Custom Foot Orthosis and Stretching

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective single-group cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To identify the effectiveness of a temporary custom foot orthosis (TCFO), followed by a stretching program, for the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). BACKGROUND: PF, a common cause of heel pain, often leads to disability. Optimal treatment for this often challenging clinical condition is still unknown. METHODS: Fifteen individuals with PF were recruited from the general public. All participants received a TCFO and were instructed to wear it for 2 weeks while weight bearing. Following the initial 2 weeks, participants were weaned off of the TCFO and instructed to begin a daily stretching program. Follow-up appointments occurred at 2, 4, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures included first-step heel pain via numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living subscale (FAAM-A), and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure sports subscale (FAAM-S). Secondary outcome included the global rating of change (GRC) score. RESULTS: Individuals with a primary complaint of plantar foot pain entered and completed this study. Repeated-measures ANOVAs for the NPRS, FAAM-A, and FAAM-S showed statistically significant changes (P<.001). Post hoc analysis using paired t tests demonstrated statistically and clinically significant change at all follow-up times, compared to the initial intervention (P<.001). Mean GRC scores at 2, 4, and 12 weeks were 4.4, 4.5, and 4.2, respectively. CONCLUSION: In treating PF, a TCFO used for 2 weeks, followed by a stretching program, provided preliminary evidence that first-step heel pain and foot and ankle function improve in the short term and up to 12 weeks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 2b.