Conservative therapy for plantar fasciitis: a narrative review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

A narrative literature review of RCTs only, was conducted to ascertain which conservative treatments provide the best results for plantar fasciitis patients. Stretching, prefabricated and custom-made orthotics and night splints have all been scrutinized in numerous studies with mixed results. Chiropractic manipulative therapy has been examined in one study, with favorable results. Therapeutic ultrasound and low intensity laser therapy have been examined in one study apiece with unsatisfactory results. Based on the trials reviewed a trial of therapy beginning with low-cost, patient-centered treatments is recommended, particularly stretching, over-the-counter orthotics, and patient education. Several (but not all) of the reviewed articles indicated that custom-made orthoses are more beneficial for plantar fasciitis than over-the-counter orthotics. In the event these treatments do not provide satisfactory results, use of night splints should be considered. Based on this review, there is no support for the use of magnetic insoles for plantar fasciitis. Most of the studies were found to have at least one methodological flaw, including inadequate sample sizes, high drop-out rates, comparing multiple interventions to multiple interventions (thus making it difficult to determine the effect of each individual intervention) and lack of long-term follow-up. Outcome measure use between studies was inconsistent.