Iontophoresis and low-dye taping are effective conservative interventions for plantar fasciitis: study

Written by Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2025-08-19T20:30:17+05:30 | Updated On 20 Aug 2025 11:29 AM IST

Iontophoresis and low-dye taping are effective conservative interventions for plantar fasciitis: study

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a frequent cause of heel pain, affecting approximately 10% of the population. Conservative treatments such as iontophoresis and low-dye taping (LDT) are widely used to alleviate symptoms, often providing short-term pain relief.

Aurora Castro‑Mendez et al conducted a systematic review to compare the efficacy of iontophoresis (with 5% acetic acid, 0.4% dexamethasone, dexamethasone and lidocaine, or placebo) versus low-dye taping (LDT) in treating plantar fasciitis. Additionally, it evaluated the combined effect of iontophoresis and LDT application.

A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases, following PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were predefined. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data from eligible studies, assessing their quality. Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, non-randomized clinical trials, case–control studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO.

Key findings of the study were:

• Eight studies published between 1997 and 2018 were included, providing a moderate level of evidence.

• Both iontophoresis (with the specified agents) and low-dye taping, alone or combined, were associated with statistically significant reductions in pain scores compared to baseline.

The authors concluded – “Iontophoresis and low-dye taping are effective conservative treatments for reducing foot pain in adults with plantar fasciitis. However, evidence from this review suggests that the combined use of iontophoresis and LDT provides superior pain relief compared to either treatment alone. Among the substances used, 5% acetic acid appears to be the most effective when applied via iontophoresis.

Nevertheless, the current body of research is limited by heterogeneity in methodologies, small sample sizes, and short-term follow-up. Future studies should aim to standardize treatment protocols, use consistent outcome measures, and include larger populations with long-term follow-up to better assess the durability of therapeutic effects.”

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.