COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF CALCANEAL LOW-DYE TAPING, PLANTAR FASCIA STRETCHING AND SHAM TAPING ON ACUTE PLANTAR HEEL PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Background: Heel pain is a prevalent issue among athletes, particularly affecting those involved in football, with approximately 11-15% of these individuals seeking professional care for their discomfort. This study focuses on the acute management of plantar heel pain, a common condition in this demographic. Objective: To compare the effects of calcaneal Low-dye Taping, plantar fascia stretching, and sham taping on acute plantar heel pain and functional activity levels in football players. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was registered with identifier NCT05736809 and conducted at the Pakistan Sports Board Lahore. The study comprised 21 football players aged 20-45, divided into three groups. Participants underwent treatments over three weeks, with two sessions per week, using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Foot and Ankle Disability Index for assessment. Results: The application of Low-dye taping resulted in a significant improvement in heel pain, with a mean difference in pain scores of 4.14 (p=0.003) as determined by the Paired t-test. This significant result underscores the effectiveness of Low-dye taping in reducing acute heel pain among football players. Conclusion: While all tested interventions provided relief, calcaneal Low-dye taping was notably more effective in improving functional activity levels in football players suffering from acute plantar heel pain.