Physiotherapists' and podiatrists' views on the effectiveness of treatments for plantar fasciitis

Little is known about the effectiveness of numerous conservative treatments given for plantar fasciitis. Randomized controlled trials are needed, but researchers need guidance in choosing treatments most likely to be found effective. This study aimed to develop such guidance by analysing physiotherapists' and podiatrists' views on the effectiveness of treatments commonly given by them for plantar fasciitis. A postal self-completed questionnaire survey of Kent, Surrey and Sussex NHS physiotherapists (n=104) and podiatrists (n=62) was undertaken to guide research in future randomized controlled trials. Treatments were rated for recommendation by using four tools: treatments used, treatments not used, total treatment effectiveness scores and total outcome opinion scores. The author concludes that taping is the only treatment recommended for randomized controlled trials.