Faculty Publications

The Effectiveness Of A Gastrocnemius-Soleus Stretching Program As A Therapeutic Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Evidence-based practice, Heel pain, Outcomes

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation

Volume

22

Issue

4

First Page

308

Last Page

312

Abstract

Clinical Scenario: Injury to the plantar fascia, whether acute or chronic, is common among many populations. A conventional multiple-treatment approach is commonly administered by health care providers, consisting of controlling inflammation, managing pain, and promoting healing. Frequently, the initial treatment for plantar fasciitis is targeted at increasing dorsiflexion range of motion by stretching the gastroc-soleus musculature. It has been theorized that inflexibility of the gastroc-soleus complex can lead to excessive pronation and overcompensation of the plantar fascia at the first metatarsal phalangeal joint, therefore increasing the stress at the medial calcaneal insertion. Therefore, it is deemed that gastrocnemius-soleus stretches are a beneficial treatment in the initial stage of a plantar fasciitis treatment or rehabilitation program. Focused Clinical Question: Is a gastrocnemius-soleus stretching program, as a stand-alone treatment variable, effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis?. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

Original Publication Date

1-1-2013

DOI of published version

10.1123/jsr.22.4.308

Link to Full Text

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