Effect of cryostretch on plantar fasciitis in ramblers

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is characterized by pain in the heel, especially with the first walking in the morning or after a long period of rest. Cryotherapy was the common treatment method used for soft tissue injuries. There is poor literature on the application of cryotherapy on plantar fasciitis. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to identify the effect of cryotherapy along with dynamic stretching on pain and foot function in plantar fasciitis individuals. Study Design: This was a quasi-experimental study involving 34 ramblers; all were selected based on the selection criteria. Methodology: The study was conducted for 8 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups. Experimental group underwent cryotherapy for 20 min followed by dynamic stretching to the calf muscles and the plantar fascia for 15 min. Control group received dynamic stretching for 15 min. Outcome variables in the study are pain and foot function. Pain was measured by numerical pain rating scale and foot function by foot function index. Statistical Analysis: Student's t-test was used to analyze the data collected during the study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0 was used with P < 0.05. Results: Result of the study shows that pain was 7.72 ± 0.689 with P ≤ 0.05 and the foot function index was 10.6 ± 3.85. Conclusion: This study concluded that there was a significant improvement in group who underwent cryotherapy and dynamic stretching.