The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ankle and midfoot mobilization on pain and function of patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Background Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative process of the plantar fascia, with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 10%. Limited ankle dorsiflexion is a common finding and seems to act as a contributing factor to the development of PF. Fifty patients with PF, aged 23 to 73 years, were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. 8 treatments were adminstered to both groups, twice a week, consisting of stretching exercises and ultrasound. In addition, the intervention group received mobilization of the ankle and midfoot joints. Dorsiflexion range of motion was measured at the beginning and at the end of treatment. The results were evaluated by 3 outcomes: the numeric pain-rating scale, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and algometry. No significant difference was found between groups in any of the outcomes. Both groups exhibited a significant difference in the numeric pain-rating scale and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Both groups significantly improved in dorsiflexion range of motion, with no difference between groups.
The addition of ankle and foot joint mobilization aimed at improving dorsiflexion range of motion is not more effective than stretching and ultrasound alone in treating PF. The association between limited ankle dorsiflexion and PF is most likely a consequence of soft tissue limitations, not the joints.