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Barefoot Running on Grass as a Potential Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Case Series

Author

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  • Stephen MacGabhann

    (EVOLVE Research Group, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, Southeast Technological University (SETU), R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland
    School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland)

  • Declan Kearney

    (School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland)

  • Nic Perrem

    (EVOLVE Research Group, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, Southeast Technological University (SETU), R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland
    NHS Devon, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK)

  • Peter Francis

    (EVOLVE Research Group, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, Southeast Technological University (SETU), R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland)

Abstract

Background: Foot characteristics and running biomechanics in shod populations are associated with the aetiology of plantar fasciitis, the most common musculoskeletal disease of the foot. Previous Case reports have demonstrated improvements in the symptoms of plantar fasciitis after a period of barefoot running on grass. Methods: Recreational runners with symptomatic plantar fasciitis were prospectively enrolled into a 6-week grass based barefoot running programme. Duration of symptoms, previous management and current pain scores (NRS, VAS) were recorded at entry. Daily pain scores were recorded during the 6-week period and 12 weeks from entry to the programme. Results: In total, 20 of 28 patients (71.4%) enrolled were included in the analysis. Relative to the entry point, pain at 6-weeks was lower (2.5 ± 1.4 vs. 3.9 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) and pain at the 12-week point was lower (1.5 (1.8), p = 0.002). 19 out of 20 patients had improved at week-6 (mean ± SD % change in pain score, −38.8 ± 21.5%) and at week-12 (median (IQR) % change in pain score, −58.3 (34.8) %). Conclusion: Barefoot running on grass improved pain associated with plantar fasciitis at the 6-week and 12-week follow up points. This type of barefoot running has the ability to improve symptoms whilst allowing patients to continue running, the intervention may also address some impairments of the foot associated with plantar fasciitis.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen MacGabhann & Declan Kearney & Nic Perrem & Peter Francis, 2022. "Barefoot Running on Grass as a Potential Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Case Series," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15466-:d:980557
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Niki M Stolwijk & Jacques Duysens & Jan Willem K Louwerens & Yvonne HM van de Ven & Noël LW Keijsers, 2013. "Flat Feet, Happy Feet? Comparison of the Dynamic Plantar Pressure Distribution and Static Medial Foot Geometry between Malawian and Dutch Adults," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(2), pages 1-9, February.
    2. Madhusudhan Venkadesan & Ali Yawar & Carolyn M. Eng & Marcelo A. Dias & Dhiraj K. Singh & Steven M. Tommasini & Andrew H. Haims & Mahesh M. Bandi & Shreyas Mandre, 2020. "Stiffness of the human foot and evolution of the transverse arch," Nature, Nature, vol. 579(7797), pages 97-100, March.
    3. Nicholas B. Holowka & Bert Wynands & Tina J. Drechsel & Andrew K. Yegian & Victoria A. Tobolsky & Paul Okutoyi & Robert Mang’eni Ojiambo & Diresibachew W. Haile & Timothy K. Sigei & Claudio Zippenfenn, 2019. "Foot callus thickness does not trade off protection for tactile sensitivity during walking," Nature, Nature, vol. 571(7764), pages 261-264, July.
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