Manipulative therapy in the treatment of non-responsive foot pain: a case study

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this case study was to review the effectiveness of manipulative therapy in the treatment of long-standing foot pain.

Methods

A retrospective review on the treatment of a single subject with a 5-year history of foot pain. Pressure threshold meter testing was used to assess the changes in joint function at each treatment.

Results

Using algometric pressure threshold measurement, a starting threshold of 1 kg was raised to 7.4 kg over a 2-month period and maintained at this level at a 3-month follow-up. Over the same period, the subject has gone from having constant, debilitating foot pain to being completely pain free.

Conclusion

This case suggests that manipulative therapy may be a valid approach in the treatment of foot pain. Such intervention receives some support from the literature and warrants further research.

Keywords:

• Manipulation
• Foot pain
• Calcaneocuboid joint