PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENT FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain in individuals with postural asymmetry of the feet and excessive strain on the fascia. It affects people of both sexes and causes an inflammatory and painful condition in the medial part of the plantar fascia. Treatment requires physical therapy using various approaches and continuous assessment mechanisms that allow for careful monitoring of the treatment. The objective of this research was to analyze studies published in the last 10 years on conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis. The methodology used was a narrative review of articles published in the Medline (via Pubmed), SciElo, PEDro and BVS databases, published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, using the keywords plantar fasciitis, plantar anatomy, plantar fasciitis treatment, kinesiotherapy, electrostimulation and physiology of fasciitis. The results show that the treatment of plantar fasciitis was predominantly with general stretching techniques, strengthening of the hip and calf muscles, manual therapy and electrostimulation. The analysis of the included publications concluded that physiotherapy treatment is effective in improving symptoms in whole or in part, reducing pain, stiffness, and improving range of motion and motor function, contributing to a better quality of life. The effectiveness of these physiotherapy techniques, proven in most studies, provides a better choice of treatment for patients with plantar fasciitis.