Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping as Compared to Lower Extremity Stretching on Pain and Disability in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is described as a chronic degenerative process at the origin of the strong, fibrous band running at the bottom of feet connecting bones of heel to toes and supporting arch of feet known as plantar fascia and this irritation of fascia leads to medial plantar heel pain Literature has shown improvement of plantar fasciitis within 10 months of performing simple treatment methods (viz. rest, icing, stretching, physical therapy management, shoe inserts or orthotics.) in more than 90% of the affected population.However, the aforementioned treatment methods may not provide adequate relief for all the patients. In view of this, there is growing evidence regarding the effectiveness of a relatively newer technique involving the use of a specialized tape to treat musculoskeletal disorders referred to as Kinesiology taping (K-taping) .Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of k-taping as compared to lower limb stretching techniques in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, primary aim being to address the gap in literature and to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals as an evidence-based treatment protocol in the future management of Plantar fasciitis.