Efficacy of Targeted Achilles Tendon Stretching Compared to Calf Muscle Stretching in Individuals with Plantar Heel Pain

ABSTRACT Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and functional limitation in adults. Tightness of the gastrocnemius–soleus complex and Achilles tendon increases tensile stress on the plantar fascia, contributing to persistent symptoms. Stretching interventions are widely recommended; however, comparative evidence between calf stretching and Achilles tendon stretching remains limited. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of calf muscle stretching and Achilles tendon stretching in reducing pain and improving functional ability in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Methods: A randomized comparative study was conducted on 50 participants (aged 25–45 years) diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and positive windlass test. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (n = 25) received calf muscle stretching, and Group B (n = 25) received Achilles tendon stretching. Both groups followed a supervised stretching protocol (30–40 seconds hold, 3 repetitions, 5 days per week) for four weeks. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional disability was assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Statistical analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and FFI scores after four weeks (p < 0.001). However, the Achilles tendon stretching group showed significantly greater reductions in post-treatment VAS (t = 3.908, p < 0.001) and FFI (t = 5.690, p < 0.001) compared to the calf stretching group. Percentage reduction in pain and disability was higher in the Achilles stretching group (VAS: 51.27%; FFI: 57.00%) than in the calf stretching group (VAS: 26.11%; FFI: 24.78%). Conclusion: Both stretching techniques were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis. However, Achilles tendon stretching demonstrated superior outcomes and may be recommended as a more effective conservative management strategy.