A comparative study of plantar fascia tissue stretching and achilles tendon stretching for chronic heel pain

Introduction Plantar fasciitis occurs over a wide age range and is seen in both sedentary and athletic individuals. It is seen in both male and female between the age group of (40 – 60) years and its prevalence rate is 21.7%. 10% of the population experience plantar heel pain at some point during their lifetime and plantar fasciitis accounts for approximately 1% of all outpatient visits to the orthopedic clinic (Riddle et al., 2004). The etiology is multifactorial, mechanical over load is generally believed to be fundamental to the development of the condition. Obesity not only increases the risk of plantar fasciitis, but also increases the level of disability, which is proportional to the body mass index (Riddle et al., 2004). Work related weight bearing and biomechanical abnormalities in the foot such as Achilles tendon and reduced ankle dorsiflexion are common predisposing factors (Gill, 1997 and Riddle et al., 2003). Excessive pronation of the foot is an important mechanical cause of structural strain which can result in plantar fasciitis (Kwong et al., 1988). During stressful activities, a greater force is transmitted along the medial side of the plantar fascia. These factors cause repetitive microtears and microtrauma which impairs normal healing process resulting in chronic inflammatory reaction. Stretching exercises to be performed before stepping down from the bed in the morning, standing without stretching exercises may result in plantar fascitis (Digiovanni et al., 2003). Abstract