EFFECT OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE WITH OR WITHOUT TAPING IN THE PATIENTS WITH HEEL SPUR; A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: Plantar heel pain associated with heel spur is a common musculoskeletal problem that often limits walking, standing tolerance, and daily activity. Myofascial release is used to reduce fascial restriction and improve tissue mobility, while kinesiology taping is applied to support foot mechanics and unload the plantar fascia. Although both approaches are used in conservative rehabilitation, their combined clinical value in heel spur-related pain remains insufficiently established, particularly for function and ankle mobility. Objective: To compare the effects of myofascial release with and without kinesiology taping on pain, foot function, and active ankle range of motion in patients with heel spur. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 38 participants with heel spur-related plantar heel pain. Participants were randomly allocated into Group A and Group B, with 19 participants in each group. Group A received myofascial release with standardized physiotherapy, while Group B received myofascial release with kinesiology taping along with the same baseline physiotherapy protocol. The intervention was delivered twice weekly for six weeks, comprising 12 sessions. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, foot function through the Foot Function Index, and active dorsiflexion and plantar flexion range of motion using a universal goniometer. Data were recorded at baseline and after intervention. Results: Final analysis included 18 participants in Group A and 17 participants in Group B. Median VAS reduced from 7.00 to 4.00 in Group A and from 7.00 to 3.00 in Group B. Pain improved significantly within both groups, but post-treatment between-group difference was not significant. FFI improved from 70.61 ± 9.27 to 40.72 ± 11.51 in Group A and from 71.41 ± 11.97 to 29.06 ± 12.95 in Group B. Dorsiflexion increased from 9.73° ± 1.69° to 14.51° ± 2.03° in Group A and from 9.64° ± 2.16° to 17.51° ± 2.19° in Group B. Plantar flexion increased from 36.13° ± 1.57° to 43.77° ± 1.97° in Group A and from 35.42° ± 2.21° to 47.22° ± 2.66° in Group B. Conclusion: Myofascial release was effective for improving heel spur-related symptoms, while the addition of kinesiology taping produced greater improvement in foot function and ankle mobility. A combined rehabilitation approach may therefore offer better functional recovery in patients with heel spur. Keywords: Athletic Tape; Fasciitis, Plantar; Heel Spur; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Pain Measurement; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome.