In 2006, Hyland, et. al., conducted study about Plantar fasciitis, which is a common source of heel and foot discomfort, has prompted physical therapists to explore various techniques to alleviate its symptoms. Among these methods, taping has gained attention, yet evidence supporting its efficacy remains sparse. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific calcaneal and Achilles tendon taping technique, utilizing only four pieces of tape and excluding the medial arch, in managing plantar heel pain.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 41 participants assigned to four groups: stretching of the plantar fascia, calcaneal taping, a control group receiving no treatment, and a sham taping group. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), while functional activities were evaluated using a patient-specific functional scale (PSFS). Measurements were taken before treatment and after one week of intervention.

Results revealed a significant disparity among the groups post-treatment concerning VAS scores (P < .001). Specifically, notable differences were observed between stretching and calcaneal taping (mean + SD, 4.6 +/- 0.7 versus 2.7 +/- 1.8; P = .006), stretching and control (mean +/- SD, 4.6 +/- 0.7 versus 6.2 +/- 1.0; P = .026), calcaneal taping and control (mean +/- SD, 2.7 +/- 1.8 versus 6.2 +/- 1.0; P < .001), and calcaneal taping and sham taping (mean +/- SD, 2.7 +/- 1.8 versus 6.0 +/- 0.9; P < .001). However, no significant difference was noted among groups for post-treatment PSFS scores (P = .078).

In conclusion, the study demonstrated that calcaneal taping proved to be a more effective intervention for alleviating plantar heel pain compared to stretching, sham taping, or no treatment. These findings underscore the potential of this specific taping technique as a valuable tool in managing plantar fasciitis symptoms. However, further research may be warranted to explore its long-term efficacy and compare it with other treatment modalities. This study contributes valuable insights into the repertoire of interventions available for individuals suffering from plantar heel pain.

Reference: Hyland, M. R., Webber-Gaffney, A., Cohen, L., & Lichtman, S. W. (2006). Randomized controlled trial of calcaneal taping, sham taping, and plantar fascia stretching for the short-term management of plantar heel pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 36(6), 364-371.