Effectiveness of the Simultaneous Stretching of the Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia in Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

II, lesser quality RCT or prospective comparative study.

Modulation in the elastic properties of gastrocnemius muscle heads in individuals with plantar fasciitis and its relationship with pain

“…All the above studies demonstrate that the MG experiences greater mechanical loading during daily activities. Clinically, most studies have reported that reduced muscle stiffness can alleviate the symptoms of patients with PF 2,6,9,21 . For example, chronic symptoms lasting longer than 4 months might cause the tissue to be stiffer and to become more difficult to stretch 2 .…”

“…For example, chronic symptoms lasting longer than 4 months might cause the tissue to be stiffer and to become more difficult to stretch 2 . Stretching of the gastrocnemius-AT complex is widely considered to be an effective treatment for PF and reducing foot and ankle pain because stretching addresses PF caused by tight gastrocnemius and intrinsic foot muscles 2,6,9 . After eccentric training, the fascicle length of the MG increased 12%, but this change was not observed for the LG.…”

“…Plantar fasciitis (PF), which has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 10% in the general population, is most common among patients aged 40 to 60 years 1 . Patients with PF usually describe medial plantar heel pain on ambulation, especially during the first steps in the morning, which improves with weight bearing 2 . Biomechanical abnormalities are considered to be one of the main causes of PF and the risk factors for PF are multifactorial.…”

“…Although these methods can provide important information about the MG, LG and plantar fascia, they do not directly quantify muscle stiffness. Recently, most studies have demonstrated that reduced stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle can alleviate the symptoms of patients with PF and can be achieved by activities such as stretching, massage, specific soft-tissue mobilization, and myofascial release 2,6,9,10 . In addition, our recent study demonstrated that an increase in muscle stiffness was not the same for the individual muscles of the quadriceps in patients with patellar tendinopathy (PT) 11 .…”

A Radiographic Study of Biomechanical Relationship between the Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia

“…Moreover, an anatomical connection between the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia makes the relationships among the plantar fascia, calcaneus, and Achilles tendon biomechanically complex, so we assumed this structure may transfer stress from one side of calcaneus to another. Some studies also found that Achilles tendinopathy and heel pain can collectively benefit from similar conservative and surgical treatments by reducing the tension on both sides, such as eccentric calf stretching and gastrocnemius recession [2,23,24]. erefore, the Achilles tendon, calcaneus, and plantar fascia should be considered as a whole e Fowler-Philip angle was measured between an inferior line which was tangent to the inferior margin of the calcaneocuboid joint and the plantar tuberosity of the calcaneus and a superior line which was tangent to the posterior prominence at the insertion of the Achilles tendon.…”