title: Effect of the silicone heel pad on plantar fasciitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of silicone heel pad in the management of pain in plantar fasciitis patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The descriptive case series study was conducted at Hope Rehabilitation Centre, Lahore, from March 1 to September 30, 2013, and comprised patients aged > 18 years with symptomatic plantar fasciitis who were treated with silicone heel pad. All patients were assessed at one month and six months for pain relief measured on % Maximum Total Pain Relief and Pain Intensity Difference percentage scales. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 100 patients, 37(37%) were male and 63(63%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 44.25±12.75 years. Five (5%) patients were lost to follow-up during the study, while 7(7%) patients changed their initial treatment because they did not experience relief. Silicone heel pad reported a better outcome measure associated with the patient\'s heel pain as 74(84.09%) patients resolved their condition or reached a tolerance level and showed preferable reduction in heel pain .There were statistically significant difference between pain relieved and treatment duration (p=0.039).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conservative intervention with silicone heel pad showed relief from heel pain and it allowed the patient to manage the condition more effectively with no complications but for shortterm. It was less effective in the long term.
authors.affiliation: Lahore General Hospital, Lahore.
authors.forename: Noman Shakeel
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Niazi
authors.affiliation: FCPS II Trainee, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore.
authors.forename: Suhail Niaz
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Khan Niazi
authors.affiliation: HOPE Rehabilitation Center, Lahore.
authors.forename: Khalid Niazi
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Khan Niazi
authors.affiliation: Community Medical Education Officer, Lahore.
authors.forename: Madiha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iqbal
keywords: Osteoarthritis, Plantar fasciitis, Silicone heel pad.