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Outcome study of subjects with insertional plantar fasciitis

PainSci » bibliography » Martin et al 1998
updated
Tags: plantar fasciitis, running, foot, stretch, devices, leg, limbs, pain problems, overuse injury, injury, tendinosis, exercise, self-treatment, treatment, muscle

One article on PainSci cites Martin 1998: Complete Guide to Plantar Fasciitis

PainSci commentary on Martin 1998: ?This page is one of thousands in the PainScience.com bibliography. It is not a general article: it is focused on a single scientific paper, and it may provide only just enough context for the summary to make sense. Links to other papers and more general information are provided wherever possible.

I have only the inadequate abstract from this old paper, which compared custom orthotics, generic arch supports, and night splints. It doesn’t tell us much except that (expensive) custom orthotics weren’t better than over-the-counter arch support, and that some patients withdrew from the study due to “inability to tolerate the device” — almost certainly the night splints. In other words, night splints are frustrating to use.

~ Paul Ingraham

original abstract Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections.

A randomized, prospective study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of three individual mechanical modalities in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Two hundred fifty-five subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: custom-made orthoses, over-the-counter arch supports, or tension night splints. Subjects were treated for 3 months, with follow-up visits at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. No statistically significant difference was noted among treatment groups with respect to final outcomes based on first-step pain or pain felt during the day. However, there was a statistically significant difference among the three groups with respect to early patient withdrawal from the study due to continued severe pain, noncompliance, or inability to tolerate the device. Patient compliance was greatest with the use of custom-made orthoses.

This page is part of the PainScience BIBLIOGRAPHY, which contains plain language summaries of thousands of scientific papers & others sources. It’s like a highly specialized blog. A few highlights:

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