Effect of Kaltenborn vs Mulligan Mobilization With Intrinsic Foot Strengthening in Plantar Fasciitis

This prospective randomized clinical trial will aim to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two manual therapy techniques-Kaltenborn and Mulligan mobilizations-combined with intrinsic foot muscle strengthening in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The study will be conducted at two physiotherapy clinics in Sialkot, Pakistan. A total of 82 eligible participants aged 30-60 years, diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, will be enrolled using non-probability convenience sampling and then randomised into two equal groups through the lottery method.

Group A will receive Kaltenborn mobilization techniques applied to the talocrural and subtalar joints, in addition to conventional treatment (therapeutic ultrasound, plantar fascia and calf stretching, intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, and cryotherapy). Group B will receive Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) applied to the same joints, alongside the same conventional treatment.

Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for three weeks (total six sessions). The primary outcomes will include changes in pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), functional disability (Foot Function Index), and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (measured using a goniometer). Measurements will be taken at baseline and at the end of the third week. It is hypothesised that Kaltenborn mobilization may demonstrate superior outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement compared to Mulligan MWM when combined with strengthening exercises.

Inclusion criteria

• Age group between 30-60.

• Both genders (male and female) included.
• Subjects with the ankle and heel pain complain especially morning or after rest and limited ankle ROM due to pain
• Positive Windlass test: Pain increase upon toe standing and decreases upon walking.

Duration of pain in 4 weeks or more.

• Tenderness on medial calcaneal tuberosity.
• NPRS score of 4 or more

Exclusion criteria

• Patients contraindicated to manual therapy (tumor, fracture or osteoporosis). Any history of knee, tibia, fibula, ankle or foot surgery or stress fracture of calcaneum.

• Previously received physiotherapy treat.
• History of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injection in last 3 weeks prior to surgery.
• Pregnancy (because of sudden weight changes and pedal edema which causes heel pain).
• Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systematic lupus erythematous, peripheral neuropathy, sever's disease, severe vascular disease or tarsal tunnel.