Low-Dye versus calcaneal taping for plantar fasciitis

Effects of Low-Dye Taping Compared to Calcaneal Taping in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

This trial will see if Low-Dye or calcaneal taping better reduces heel pain and improves foot function in adults with chronic plantar fasciitis.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 19 Years to 44 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province)
• Trial ID: NCT07544732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized interventional trial will enroll 36 adults (ages 19–44) with clinically diagnosed unilateral plantar fasciitis and limited ankle dorsiflexion. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Low-Dye taping or calcaneal taping over a two-week treatment period. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include pain on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), ankle range of motion by goniometer, and observational gait analysis. The trial focuses on short-term biomechanical support from taping in a sedentary patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 19–44 with unilateral plantar fasciitis for more than three months, a positive windlass test, limited talocrural dorsiflexion, and no recent exercise program.

Not a fit: People who previously had foot surgery, have congenital foot abnormalities, systemic lower-extremity disorders, bilateral or nonclassic presentations, or who are outside the age/activity criteria are less likely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the better taping method could provide noninvasive short-term pain relief and improved foot function without medication or surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies report short-term symptom relief from various taping techniques, but direct head-to-head evidence comparing Low-Dye and calcaneal taping is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults of 19 - 44 years old age.
* Both genders will be included
* Pain in plantar heel lasting more than three months
* Clinical diagnosis of unilateral PF in compliance with the American
* physical therapy association's (APTA) Orthopedic Section clinical practice
* guidelines
* Positive windlass test
* Negative tarsal tunnel tests
* Limited active and passive talocrural joint dorsiflexion range of motion
* Pain on the inner side of the heel is most noticeable with the first steps after
* rest and tends to worsen after standing or walking for a long time.
* Willing and capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-up
* examinations.
* Planter fascia tests i.e. windlass mechanism, hop test, stair climbing.
* Sedentary individuals (no exercise plan followed in last 3 months)

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Previous surgical intervention for plantar fasciitis.

  * Congenital abnormalities of foot.
  * Lower extremities affected by systemic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
  * diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
  * The presence of additional foot disorders, such as stress fractures, Achilles
  * tendinopathy, or nerve entrapment syndromes.
  * Any contraindications to taping, such as skin sensitivity or allergy.
  * Not willing or not capable of adhering to the study procedure and completing follow-
  * up examinations.
  * Pregnant women, mental illness, immune suppressed patients, patients with
  * peripheral vascular disease, thrombocytopenia patients, anti-coagulant therapy
  * patients and post mastectomy.

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Punjab Province

• Foundation University Islamabad — Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Areej Mazhar, DPT — Foundation University Islamabad
• Study coordinator: Areej Mazhar, DPT

Conditions: Plantar Fascia