the efficacy of kinesiology taping in supporting the medial longitudinal arch in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of kinesiology taping (KT) that supports the medial longutidunal arch in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis. Materials and methods: A total of 76 patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups as kinesiology taping (KT) and exercise groups. The exercise group was prescribed plantar fascia stretching exercise and silicone insoles. The KT group were applied a total of three weeks of kinesiology taping, once every five days, in addition to that in the exercise group. Patients were assessed before and three weeks after the treatment with visual pain scale (VAS) and heel tenderness index (HTI) for pain; and with foot ankle outcome score (FAOS) for functional status, and quality of life. Results: KT and exercise groups were similar in terms of age, gender and body mass index (p>0.05). At the beginning of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of VAS, HTI and FAOS scores (p>0.05). After treatment, both groups revealed statistically significant improvements in VAS, HTI and FAOS scores compared with pretreatment (p<0.05), the results in the KT group being better. Conclusions: KT has yielded positive effects on pain, functional status, and quality of life in patients with PF.