Effect of Myofascial Release With and Without Taping in Patient With Heel Spur:

Green International University38 enrolled

Overview

The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy used alone versus myofascial release combined with clinical taping for individuals with heel spurs. The trial aims to evaluate improvements in pain, foot function, and overall disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specified duration. The primary outcome is pain reduction, while secondary outcomes include improved foot function and reduced disability. The hypothesis is that the combination of myofascial release and taping will result in significantly greater clinical improvements compared to myofascial release alone.

Heel spur is a common musculoskeletal condition often associated with chronic plantar heel pain and functional limitations. This study will evaluate the added value of clinical taping when used in conjunction with Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. Combining these approaches may offer a complementary effect by addressing both the soft tissue restrictions through manual therapy and providing mechanical support and proprioceptive feedback via taping. The trial uses a randomized controlled design to compare two intervention groups. Participants diagnosed with heel spurs will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group. The experimental group will receive standardized Myofascial Release sessions focusing on the plantar fascia and posterior chain musculature, followed by the application of therapeutic taping. The comparison group will receive the Myofascial Release protocol alone. Both interventions will be provided for a set duration, with sessions occurring twice per week. The study aims to investigate whether the addition of taping results in greater improvements in pain intensity, foot function, and overall disability. Outcome measures, including pain scales and functional assessment tools, will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the treatment period. The trial will be carried out at clinics in Lahore to ensure standardized procedures and consistent delivery across sessions.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Interventions

Myofascial Release with Clinical TapingOTHER

Participants will receive a 45-minute intervention session. The integrated components consist of manual myofascial release techniques followed by the application of clinical taping to the affected foot.

Myofascial Release AloneOTHER

Participants will receive the same 30 minutes of specialized myofascial release (MFR) manual therapy targeting the plantar fascia and calf musculature. No clinical taping will be applied. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly to ensure a consistent treatment frequency with the experimental group.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 30 YearsMax age: 40 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 30-40 years * Both males and females * Clinically or radiographically confirmed heel spur * Pain intensity ≥ 3 on Visual Analog Scale * Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks * Able to attend treatment sessions 3 times per week * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous foot or heel surgery * Current physiotherapy treatment for heel pain * Neurological disorders (e.g., neuropathy, radiculopathy) * Systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout) * Severe musculoskeletal deformities of the foot * Open wounds, skin infection, or allergy to tape * Corticosteroid injection in the last 3 months * Pregnancy * Any medical condition preventing safe participation

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain Intensity

Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants mark their pain level on a 100mm line ranging from "no pain" (0) to "worst imaginable pain" (100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Secondary Outcomes

Foot Function

The FFI will be used to assess changes in foot related functional limitations. The FFI evaluates pain, disability, and activity restriction related to foot conditions. Scores range 0 to 100, with high scores indicating greater impairment. This outcome will determine the improvement in functional ability following 4 weeks of Myofascial Release with or without taping.

Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks

Disability level

The Disability subscale of the Foot Function index will measure the degree to which heel pain affects daily activities, including walking, standing, and mobility tasks. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values reflecting greater disability. This outcome will evaluate the reduction in functional disability after the intervention period.