The Effect of Kinesio-tape and Shock Wave Therapy on Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and pain is plantar heel pain. In the studies, it was stated that the feeling of foot pain and stiffness was between 18% and 63%. The plantar fascia is the most common cause of heel pain in adult age. Due to overuse, such as standing for a long time or running, it is assumed that it occurs as a result of micro‐injury on the surface of the plantar fascia. It has been reported that 10% of the general population will be encountered throughout life. Although the exact cause is not known, middle age, obesity, excessive foot pronation, pes cavus, running, pes planus and long‐term standing are among the reasons that facilitate. Patients experience severe pain in the first step they take after sitting for a long time or when they get up in the morning and start to walk and the pain is triggered by the tension of the plantar fascia and overlapping weight onto the foot. A large number of conservative methods have been used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Anti‐inflammatory agents (Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, steroid injections), physical therapy modalities (iontophoresis, ultrasound, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, and whirlpool), manual therapy, stretching therapy and external support (orthosis and banding) treatment most of these methods. Orthosis and taping aim to correct poor biomechanics in the foot while most of the other treatment programs are suppressing symptoms. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), which is another treatment modality that is used effectively in treatment, is currently preferred in delayed and nonunion fractures, calcified tendinitis of the shoulder, lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendinitis, and calcaneal spur. In a recent prospective study, ESWT treatment was not superior to Kinesio‐taping, and both treatments were found to be similar in both pain reduction and increased functionality.