Effects of Low-Dye Taping Compared to Calcaneal Taping in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis
Foundation University Islamabad
40 participants
Apr 16, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and microtears of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain, particularly during initial steps after rest. It negatively impacts gait, mobility, and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions such as stretching, strengthening, electrotherapy, and taping techniques are commonly used for management. Among these, Low-Dye taping and calcaneal taping provide biomechanical support by reducing strain on the plantar fascia and improving foot posture; however, comparative evidence between the two is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Dye taping versus calcaneal taping in reducing pain and improving foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 36 participants will be randomly assigned to either intervention group and treated over a two-week period. Outcome measures will include pain (VAS), functional ability (FFI), ankle range of motion (goniometer), and gait analysis, assessed before and after intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v27, with statistical significance set at p \< 0.05.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria15
- Adults of 19 - 44 years old age.
- Both genders will be included
- Pain in plantar heel lasting more than three months
- Clinical diagnosis of unilateral PF in compliance with the American
- physical therapy association's (APTA) Orthopedic Section clinical practice
- guidelines
- Positive windlass test
- Negative tarsal tunnel tests
- Limited active and passive talocrural joint dorsiflexion range of motion
- Pain on the inner side of the heel is most noticeable with the first steps after
- rest and tends to worsen after standing or walking for a long time.
- Willing and capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-up
- examinations.
- Planter fascia tests i.e. windlass mechanism, hop test, stair climbing.
- Sedentary individuals (no exercise plan followed in last 3 months)
Exclusion Criteria12
- Previous surgical intervention for plantar fasciitis.
- Congenital abnormalities of foot.
- Lower extremities affected by systemic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
- diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
- The presence of additional foot disorders, such as stress fractures, Achilles
- tendinopathy, or nerve entrapment syndromes.
- Any contraindications to taping, such as skin sensitivity or allergy.
- Not willing or not capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-
- up examinations.
- Pregnant women, mental illness, immune suppressed patients, patients with
- peripheral vascular disease, thrombocytopenia patients, anti-coagulant therapy
- patients and post mastectomy.
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Interventions
1. Taping through standard protocol 2. Conventional physical therapy 1. Calf and fascia stretch 2. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique: * Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area. * Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia. * Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle 3. Strengthening exercises
1. Taping through standard protocol 2. Conventional physical therapy 1. Calf and fascia stretch 2. Ultrasound therapy Duration: 2 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week (Total = 6 sessions) Mode: Continuous mode for chronic symptoms Frequency (Hz): 1 MHz (for deep tissues like plantar fascia) Intensity: 1.0 - 1.5 W/cm² (start with 1.0 and progress based on tolerance) Treatment time: 5-8 minutes per session Applicator size: Small (2-5 cm² sound head) Technique: * Apply coupling gel to the heel and medial arch area. * Move the applicator slowly in circular motion over the plantar fascia. * Cover the entire tender area, especially the medial calcaneal tubercle 3. Strengthening exercises
Locations(1)
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NCT07544732