Riassunto dello studio

Sixty-four patients with plantar heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or calcaneal spur were randomized to receive either the Structural Diagnosis and Management (SDM) approach (n=32) or Myofascial Release (MFR) (n=32). Both groups also received common adjunct therapies, including strengthening exercises, ice compression, and ultrasound therapy. The primary outcomes of interest were pain, activity limitations, and disability measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI) and ankle range of motion (ROM). Secondary outcomes included the Foot Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and manual muscle testing for ankle strength. Outcomes were assessed over 12 sessions across four weeks. Overall, the SDM group showed statistically significant improvements in pain, disability, and functional activity (p < .01) compared to the MFR group. These findings suggest that SDM may be a more effective intervention for plantar heel pain.