Effects of Foot-Core Strengthening and Sensorimotor Re-training With Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Function, and Plantar Pressure in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by heel pain, reduced functional capacity, and altered plantar pressure distribution. It is often associated with overuse, poor biomechanics, and weakness of intrinsic foot muscles.

Routine physical therapy management includes stretching exercises ( plantar fascia and calf stretching), strengthening, manual therapy, and physical modalities. However, recent rehabilitation approaches emphasize the importance of intrinsic muscle strengthening and sensorimotor control.

This study is designed to compare two active rehabilitation approaches combined with routine physical therapy:

Group A: Foot Core Strengthening + Routine Physical Therapy

Participants in this group will receive:

Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises ( short foot exercise, toe curls) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach aims to improve medial longitudinal arch support, enhance foot stability, and reduce mechanical stress on the plantar fascia.

Group B: Sensorimotor Re-training + Routine Physical Therapy

Participants in this group will receive:

Sensorimotor and proprioceptive training ( balance exercises, unstable surface training) Routine physical therapy (stretching, manual therapy, modalities) This approach focuses on improving neuromuscular control, proprioception, and dynamic stability of the foot and ankle.

Inclusion criteria

Age 35-60 Years Sharp and worsen pain with the first few steps out of bed in morning. Clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis of at least three months duration -

Exclusion criteria

History of ankle and foot surgery Diagnosis for Peripheral neuropathy, Tarsal tunnel syndrome Corticosteroid injection into heel within the last three months. Diagnosed neurological and rheumatological disease calcaneal fractures Pregnant Women-