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Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
589
A Multisegmental Approach to Dry Needling Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Study
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation
|February 4, 2022
Summary
Dry needling (DN) effectively treats plantar fasciitis (PF), a common cause of heel pain. This case study shows DN combined with a home exercise program significantly reduced pain and improved function in a runner with persistent PF.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Plantar heel pain, often due to plantar fasciitis (PF), impacts foot function.
- Conservative treatments for PF include mobilization, stretching, orthoses, and splinting.
- Dry needling (DN) is an emerging, effective treatment for PF, though literature on its myofascial application is limited.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old female runner with persistent right foot PF was treated with DN and a home exercise program.
- Treatment involved 4 sessions over 3 weeks, with DN applied to 11 posterior chain locations and 2 electric stimulation channels.
- The intervention extended beyond the local plantar fascia.
Findings:
- The patient experienced reduced pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale.
- Functional improvement was noted, assessed by the Functional Ankle Disability Index.
- Increases in range of motion were observed post-treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful use of DN as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for plantar fasciitis.
- Combining DN with a home exercise program can yield favorable outcomes for persistent PF.
- Further research into DN's myofascial application in PF treatment is warranted.
