Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This present study aims to compare the efficacy of Cushioned Insoles and Magnetic Insoles in managing Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Methods: The study involved 40 participants aged between 30 and 45, all diagnosed with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis and meeting the specified criteria for inclusion and exclusion. These participants were divided into two groups randomly. Group A underwent treatment with Cushioned Insoles, wearing them for a minimum of 4 hours per day, four days a week, over an 8-week period. Conversely, Group B received treatment with Magnetic Insoles, also wearing them for at least 4 hours daily, four days a week, for 8 weeks. Furthermore, both sets of participants participated in stretching activities designed to address plantar fascia tightness and also calf muscles. The level of pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the evaluation of functionality was performed using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Findings: Following the two-month intervention period, Participants in both Group A as well as Group B observed a decrease in pain levels and an enhancement in foot function. Group B, which utilized Magnetic Insoles, exhibited a more pronounced reduction in pain intensity, achieving a mean VAS score of 2.86, while Group A, which used Cushioned Insoles, had a mean VAS score of 4.20 (p ≤ 0.001). Group B (Magnetic Insole) also showed a greater improvement, with a mean FFI score of 53.73, in comparison to Group A (Cushioned Insole) with a mean FFI score of 63.00 (p ≤ 0.001). Novelty: The novel contribution of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Cushioned Insoles and Magnetic Insoles in managing Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in terms of VAS and FFI both together which were not significantly addressed in the existing literature.

Keywords: Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain, Cushioned Insoles, Magnetic Insoles, Foot Function Index, Visual Analog Scale, Stretching Exercises