The Association of Night Splint to NSAID+ ADL Instruction in Improving Pain and Functional Performance: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain. The disease normally develops without injury. Clinically, standing or walking causes sole of foot pain, usually under the heel. Planter fasciitis is diagnosed clinically. Rest, stretching, strengthening exercises, shoe modification, arch supports, orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery can treat plantar fasciitis. Injections and NSAIDs provide brief relief. Calf and plantar fascia stretching may help. When conservative treatment fails for chronic plantar fasciitis, surgery is recommended. In this trial, night splints were used to treat plantar fasciitis. Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the association of Night splint to NSAID + ADL instruction in improving pain and functional performance. Method: This randomized clinical experiment was undertaken on 50 plantar fasciitis patients at NITOR, Dhaka. Group A and Group B was randomly assigned. Group A received NSAID, ADL, and a night splint; Group B received NSAID and ADL. Pain score, Tenderness index, and Visual analogue scale data were gathered from both groups every 2 weeks from the initial visit for up to 6 weeks. SPSS version 23 analyzed all data. Results: The present study showed pain and tenderness were significantly improved in Group A who were treated with Night Splint, NSAID & ADL instructions than in Group B who were treated with NSAID & ADL instructions after 6 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that application of Night Splint along with NSAIDs and ADL instructions is more effective in reduction of pain and other symptoms in patient with planter fasciitis than the drugs and ADL.