Multimodal Physiotherapy for Bilateral Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Report

Alfu Ni’am Faza; Totok Budi Santoso; Kingkinarti

doi:10.24843/mifi.000001786

Authors

Alfu Ni’am Faza Professional Physiotherapy Education Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Totok Budi Santoso Professional Physiotherapy Education Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia Author
Kingkinarti Physiotherapy Department, RSUD Dr. Hardjono Ponorogo, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000001786

Keywords:

Plantar Fasciitis, Low-Level Light Therapy, Physiotherapy, Heel Pain, Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of chronic heel pain resulting from repetitive mechanical stress on the plantar fascia, often leading to functional limitations. Bilateral involvement in older adults is relatively uncommon and presents additional clinical challenges.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of a multimodal physiotherapy intervention in a patient with bilateral chronic plantar fasciitis.

Methods: A case report was conducted on a 69-year-old male diagnosed with bilateral chronic plantar fasciitis. Outcome measures included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Range of Motion (ROM), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). The intervention consisted of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), muscle release, stretching, and strengthening exercises administered over six sessions (twice weekly for three weeks).

Results: Pain during standing and walking decreased from NRS 7 to 3, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. Ankle dorsiflexion improved by approximately 5–8°, and muscle strength increased by one grade. The FADI score improved from 54% to 78%, indicating meaningful functional recovery. No adverse events were reported during the intervention period.

Conclusion: Multimodal physiotherapy combining LLLT, muscle release, stretching, and strengthening demonstrated positive clinical outcomes in reducing pain and improving function in this case of bilateral chronic plantar fasciitis. Further studies with larger samples are required to confirm these findings.