Effect of corrective calcaneal Kinesio-tape on pain, function and sonography of plantar fasciitis in adolescents with pronated foot: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Summary

36 adolescents with plantar fasciitis (PF) and pronated feet were randomized to receive corrective calcaneal Kinesio-taping or a home exercise program for 6 weeks. The primary outcomes of interest were pain severity measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), foot function measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI), and plantar fascia structural characteristics assessed by diagnostic ultrasonography. Sonographic outcomes included plantar fascia thickness, echogenicity, and vascularity. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed greater improvements in VAS pain, FFI, plantar fascia thickness, and echogenicity with corrective Kinesio-taping compared with home exercise, while vascularity did not differ significantly between groups. These findings suggested that prolonged corrective calcaneal Kinesio-taping may improve both symptoms and selected sonographic abnormalities in adolescents with PF and pronated feet.