Leg length discrepancy is not a risk factor for plantar fasciitis.

PURPOSE: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a main source of heel pain, and only about one-third of patients have bilateral symptomatic involvement, although age, body mass index (BMI), and physical activities are known risk factors. The high prevalence of unilateral involvement is poorly understood. We aimed to assess the potential association between PF and the leg length discrepancy (LLD) in unilateral PF. METHODS: A transversal case-control study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020, including 120 participants allocated to two groups matched by BMI and sex: cases (with a diagnosis of PF; 50 ± 13 years) and control (without foot pain; 40 ± 15 years). For both groups, a difference greater than 0.64 cm in the scanometry determined the criteria for the presence of LLD. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an independent association of PF only with age (p < 0.001), and no association with LLD. We did not observe differences in the mean discrepancy (1.37 ± 0.83 cm in the PF group in comparison with 1.13 ± 0.37 cm in the control group, [p > 0.05]) or in the prevalence of LLD between groups (48% [n = 29] in the PF group compared with 42% [n = 25] in the control group, [p > 0.05]). In the PF group, 80% of the participants reported unilateral pain. We observed a higher prevalence of pain in the shorter limb (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Age was the only factor associated with the diagnosis of PF when groups were matched by sex and BMI. LLD was not an independent factor associated with the diagnosis of PF. However, when PF is unilateral, the shorter limb is more affected with 70% of prevalence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control.

Is there an association between plantar fasciitis and knee osteoarthritis?

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) and plantar fasciitis share similar risk factors including ageing, occupation, obesity, and inappropriate shoe wear. However, the association between knee OA and heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis has received limited attention to date. AIM: We aimed to assess the prevalence of plantar fasciitis using ultrasound in patients with knee OA and to identify factors associated with plantar fasciitis in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients with Knee OA, fulfiling the European League Against Rheumatism criteria. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and the Lequesne indexes were used to evaluate pain and function of the knees. The Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI) was used to estimate foot pain and disability. Each patient underwent a physical examination, plain radiographs of the knees and the heels, and an ultrasound examination of both heels to find signs of plantar fasciitis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: We included 40 knee OA patients, with a mean age of 59.85 ± 9.65 years [32-74] and a male-to-female ratio of 0.17. The mean WOMAC was 34.03 ± 19.9 [4-75]. The mean Lequesne for knees was 9.62 ± 4.57 [3-16.5]. Among our patients, 52% (n = 21) experienced heel pain. The heel pain was severe in 19% (n = 4). The mean MFPDI was 4.67 ± 4.16 [0-8]. Limited ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were noted in 47% of patients (n = 17) each. High and low arch deformities were seen in 23% (n = 9) and 40% (n = 16) of patients. Ultrasound revealed a thickened plantar fascia in 62% (n = 25). An abnormal hypoechoic plantar fascia was noted in 47% (n = 19), with the loss of normal fibrillar architecture in 12 cases (30%). No Doppler signal was exhibited. Patients with plantar fasciitis had significantly limited dorsiflexion (n = 2 (13%) versus n = 15 (60%), p = 0.004) and plantar flexion (n = 3 (20%) versus n = 14 (56%), p = 0.026). The range of supination was also less important in the plantar fasciitis group (17.73 ± 4.1 vs. 12.8 ± 6.46, p = 0.027). The low arch was statistically more present in patients with plantar fasciitis (G1: 36% [n = 9] vs. G0: 0% [n = 0], p = 0.015). However, the high arch deformity was statistically more present in patients without plantar fasciitis (G1: 28% [n = 7] vs. G0: 60% [n = 9], p = 0.046). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factor for plantar fasciitis in knee OA patients was limited dorsiflexion (OR = 3.889, 95% CI [0.017-0.987], p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our work showed that plantar fasciitis is frequent in knee OA patients, with reduced ankle dorsiflexion being the main risk factor for plantar fasciitis in these patients.

Plantar Fasciitis in Soccer Players-A Systemic Review.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. Players often suffer a variety of injuries, the most common being injuries to muscles and tendons. It is striking that with soccer, being the most practiced sport, and considering that most injuries occur in the lower extremities, plantar fasciitis (PF) is not one of the most frequent injuries (at least in terms of clinical data collected). The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive update of the topic "plantar fasciitis" focusing on soccer players. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reportiog ltems for Systmiatic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus were researched. PICO (Patient, Population or Problem; Intervention; Comparison; and Outcome) components were identified. The keywords used were "plantar fasciitis", "plantar fasciitis and sport", "plantar fasciitis risk factors", "plantar fasciitis soccer" and "plantar fasciitis football players". With respect to the objective proposed for the research, we found eight specific articles focused on soccer. Of these, five were general reviews discussing the different methods of treatment of this pathology, and we have only found three studies that focused on PF in soccer, with two of them referring to a clinical case whereby the report and discussion only dealt with the specific treatment followed by the soccer player. After reviewing the manuscripts included in this work, we were surprised that there is no data in which the Silfverskiöld test was performed, as this test explores the passive mobility of the ankle and the degree of dorsiflexion in the supine position. We concluded that soccer players suffer pain in the sole of the foot compatible with plantar fasciitis; however, as indicated by Suzue et al., it is often not diagnosed because the athlete does not consider performing the clinical examinations necessary for its diagnosis. The shortage of reported publications in soccer may mask other PF-associated injuries.

[Plantar fasciitis: update 2021]. / Aponévropathie plantaire : mise au point 2021.

Plantar heel pain affects 4 to 9% of the population and is a common reason for consultation. Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause. Its diagnosis is essentially clinical, possibly supported initially by combination of X-ray/ultrasound. Ultrasound is the modality of choice to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis is favorable, but the evolution can be long. Its management should be structured in a progressive manner, based on therapeutic education and physical measures. These simple measures have the highest level of evidence of effectiveness and should be implemented before proposing, sometimes too early, second-line therapies.

Les talalgies plantaires touchent 4 à 9 % de la population et sont un motif fréquent de consultation en médecine générale et en médecine du sport. L'aponévropathie plantaire en est la cause la plus fréquente. Son diagnostic est essentiellement clinique, éventuellement complété en première intention par le couple radiographie/échographie. Cette dernière est l'examen de choix permettant de confirmer le diagnostic. De pronostic favorable, sa durée d'évolution peut être longue. Sa prise en charge doit être structurée de façon progressive en s'appuyant sur l'éducation thérapeutique et des mesures physiques. Ces mesures simples montrent le niveau de preuve d'efficacité le plus élevé et doivent impérativement être mises en place avant de proposer, parfois trop précocement, des thérapeutiques de seconde intention.

Plantar fasciitis in physicians and nurses: a nationwide population-based study.

Physicians and nurses in Taiwan have heavy workload and long working hours, which may contribute to plantar fasciitis. However, this issue is unclear, and therefore, we conducted this study to delineate it. We conducted a nationwide population-based study by identifying 26,024 physicians and 127,455 nurses and an identical number of subjects for comparison (general population) via the National Health Insurance Research Database. The risk of plantar fasciitis between 2006 and 2012 was compared between physicians and general population, between nurses and general population, and between physicians and nurses. We also compared the risk of plantar fasciitis among physician subgroups. Physicians and nurses had a period prevalence of plantar fasciitis of 8.14% and 13.11% during the 7-yr period, respectively. The risk of plantar fasciitis was lower among physicians (odds ratio [OR]: 0.660; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.622-0.699) but higher among nurses (OR: 1.035; 95% CI: 1.011-1.059) compared with that in the general population. Nurses also had a higher risk than the physicians after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.541; 95% CI: 1.399-1.701). Physician subspecialties of orthopedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation showed a higher risk. Female physicians had a higher risk of plantar fasciitis than male physicians. This study showed that nurses, physician specialties of orthopedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation, and female physicians had a higher risk of plantar fasciitis. Improvement of the occupational environment and health promotion are suggested for these populations.

Incidence, prevalence, and management of plantar heel pain: a retrospective cohort study in Dutch primary care.

BACKGROUND: Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a common cause of foot complaints in general practice. However, information on the occurrence and practical management is scarce. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and prevalence of PHP in Dutch primary care and to gain insight into the types of treatments provided to patients with PHP in primary care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cohort study was conducted using a healthcare database containing the electronic general practice medical records of approximately 1.9 million patients throughout the Netherlands. METHOD: A search algorithm was defined and used to identify cases of PHP from January 2013 to December 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain the incidence and prevalence. Data on the management of PHP were manually validated in a random sample of 1000 patients. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PHP was 3.83 cases (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.77 to 3.89) per 1000 patient-years, the incidence in females was 4.64 (95% CI = 4.55 to 4.72), and 2.98 (95% CI = 2.91 to 3.05) in males. The overall prevalence of PHP was 0.4374% (95% CI = 0.4369 to 0.4378%). Incidence of PHP peaked in September and October of each calendar year. The most commonly applied strategies were a wait-and-see policy (18.0%, n = 168), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (19.9%, n = 186), referral to a paramedical podiatric specialist (19.7%, n = 184), and advice to wear insoles (16.4%, n = 153). Treatment strategies varied greatly among GPs. CONCLUSION: There was large variation in treatment strategies of GPs for patients with PHP. GPs should be aware of conflicting evidence for interventions, such as insoles, and focus more on exercises for which there is evidence for effectiveness.

Plantar fasciitis in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A contemporary cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycemia leads to increase advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Subsequently, formation of AGEs can cause increased plantar fascial thickness (PFT), an imaging feature of plantar fasciitis (PF). This study evaluates the prevalence of PF in a contemporary cohort of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients managed according to current standards, compared to patients without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a five-year prevalence study in a large tertiary health system (approximately 535,000 patients/visits/year) with a single electronic medical record (EMR), applying a cohort discovery tool and database screen (Data Direct) with use of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. All patients with a PF diagnosis between 01/01/2011 and 01/01/2016 were included and divided into 3 groups: type 1 diabetes (7148 patients), type 2 diabetes (61,632 patients), and no diabetes (653,659 patients). Prevalence rates were calculated, accounting for other risk factors including BMI and gender using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of PF in the entire study population was 0.85%. Prevalence rates were higher in patients with diabetes, particularly with type 2 diabetes (42% and 64% higher compared with patients with type 1 diabetes and no diabetes respectively). Individually, PF rates were 0.92% in type 1 diabetes and 1.31% in type 2 diabetes compared with 0.80% in patients with no diabetes (Type 1 vs. no diabetes p = 0.26; Type 2 vs. no diabetes p ≪ 0.0001; Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes p = 0.0054). Females in all groups had higher prevalence of PF than males (p ≪ 0.0001 for all), with those patients with diabetes having higher prevalence rates than those without diabetes. Patients with higher BMI levels (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were also more likely to have PF in all categories except males with type 1 diabetes (p = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: In this large contemporary population managed in a tertiary health system, prevalence rates of PF were substantially higher in patients with diabetes compared with no diabetes, particularly in type 2 diabetes. Female gender and higher BMI were also associated with higher prevalence of PF in this cohort.

The age dependent change in the incidence of calcaneal spur.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the calcaneal spur incidence and age, gender and side. METHODS: Lateral ankle X-rays of 1335 patients (550 (41.2%) females and 758 (58.8) males; mean age: 46.5 ± 13.5 years) who referred to our hospital because of trauma were reviewed. Incidence of plantar calcaneal spur, posterior calcaneal spur and association of such incidences with age, gender and side were all evaluated. RESULTS: Incidences of plantar calcaneal spur and posterior calcaneal spur were detected as 32.2% (male: 31%, female: 34%) and 13.1% (male: 11%, female: 16%), respectively. Incidence of plantar calcaneal spur increased by age whereas there was not any association with gender and location. The highest incidence was detected as 41.8% over 70 years of age. Incidence of posterior calcaneal spur increased by age and female gender whereas no significant association was observed with location. The highest incidence was detected as 22.3% between 61 and 70 years of age. CONCLUSION: Incidences of plantar and posterior calcaneal spur were detected as 32.2% and 13.1%, respectively. Both plantar and posterior calcaneal spur incidence increases by age. Posterior calcaneal spur occurs significantly more frequently in females while, no difference is found between the males and females in incidence of the plantar calcaneal spur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study.

Prevalence and Pharmaceutical Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in United States Adults.

This study provides prevalence estimates of plantar fasciitis in U.S. adults, as well as the types and frequencies of pharmaceutical treatment specifically for this pain. Data are from the 2013 National Health and Wellness Survey, a large (n = 75,000) internet panel survey designed to approximate the adult U.S. POPULATION: Strengths of associations are determined using multivariable logistic regression. It was estimated that .85% (95% confidence interval [CI] = .77-.92) of the sample reported diagnosed plantar fasciitis with pain in the past month. Higher prevalence of plantar fasciitis was seen in women (1.19%; referent) versus men (.47%), in those aged 45 to 64 (1.33%) versus those aged 18 to 44 (.53%; referent) years, and in the obese (1.48%) versus those with a body mass <25 (.29%; referent). Prescription medications for pain were used by 41.04% of plantar fasciitis respondents, but only 6.31% attributed this use specifically to plantar fasciitis pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (4.01%) and opioids (2.21%) were the most prevalent prescription drugs used specifically for plantar fasciitis pain. Almost 70% of individuals with plantar fasciitis used over the counter (OTC) analgesics for general pain management, with OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being used by 49.47% and acetaminophen by 26.93% of respondents. Individuals diagnosed by medical specialists had twice the odds of using prescription drugs as those diagnosed by other providers (odds ratio = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.01-4.46). Non-Hispanic black individuals were more likely to use prescription pain medications specifically for plantar fasciitis pain than non-Hispanic white individuals (odds ratio = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.05-8.70). PERSPECTIVE: The current study provides additional insights into the pain and disability associated with plantar fasciitis, as well as the pharmaceutical treatments being used for its management. Prescription as well as OTC medications are used to manage plantar fasciitis symptoms despite limited, if any, clinical trial data supporting their use.

Association Between Plantar Fasciitis and Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness.

BACKGROUND: An association between plantar fasciitis and isolated gastrocnemius tightness (IGT) has been postulated in the literature; however, there have been few studies to prove this relationship. This prospective cross-sectional cohort study was aimed at determining the association between plantar fasciitis and IGT. METHODS: Three groups comprising 45 patients with plantar fasciitis (group 1), 117 patients with foot and ankle pathology other than plantar fasciitis (group 2), and 61 patients without foot and ankle pathology (group 3) were examined for the presence of IGT using the Silfverskiöld test. Statistical tests included chi-square test, Student t test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Of the patients, 101 (45.3%) had IGT: 36 (80%) in group 1, 53 (45.3%) in group 2, and 12 (19.7%) in group 3. The difference in IGT prevalence between the groups was statistically significant at P < .001. The prevalence of IGT was similar between acute and chronic plantar fasciitis at 78.9% and 80.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a very strong association between plantar fasciitis and IGT using group 3 as a reference. This study suggests that IGT should be actively sought out and managed in patients with plantar fasciitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, cross-sectional cohort prospective study.

Low back pain and disability in individuals with plantar heel pain.

BACKGROUND: Lack of response to plantar heel pain (PHP) treatment may be related to unmanaged low back pain (LBP) and low back dysfunction, but a relationship between LBP and PHP has not been established. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the prevalence of LBP among individuals with and without PHP and to assess the association between low back disability and foot/ankle function. METHODS: A cross-sectional study compared the prevalence and likelihood of LBP in individuals with (n=27) and without (n=27) PHP matched to age, sex, BMI, foot posture, and foot mobility. In individuals with PHP, correlations were examined between foot/ankle function using the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), low back disability using the Oswestry low back disability questionnaire (OSW), duration of PHP symptoms, body mass index (BMI), and age. RESULTS: A greater percentage of individuals with PHP had LBP (74% versus 37% of controls, odds ratio=5.2, P=0.009) and higher levels of low back disability (17% higher OSW score than controls, P<0.001). In individuals with PHP, FAAM scores were correlated with OSW scores (ρ=-0.463, P=0.015), but not with duration of PHP symptoms, BMI, or age (P>0.150). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with PHP had a greater prevalence of LBP and higher low back disability that was correlated to reduced foot and ankle function. Treatment to address both local and proximal impairments, including impairments related to LBP, may be warranted to improve the management of PHP.

Is There a Role for MRI in Plantar Heel Pain.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing trend to investigate plantar heel pain with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan though plantar fasciitis is the most common cause. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of MRI in patients presenting with plantar heel pain. METHODS: Case notes and MRI scans of 141 patients with a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis were reviewed retrospectively. There were 98 females and 43 males patients. Fourteen patients had bilateral symptoms. Average age for male patients was 51 years (range = 26-78 years), and for female patients the average age was 52 years (range = 29-76 years). RESULTS: A total of 121 feet had MRI features suggestive of plantar fasciitis. MRI was normal in 32 feet. There was one case of stress fracture of calcaneus and another of a heel fibroma diagnosed on MRI scan. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, MRI scan was normal in 20.7% of the cases; 1.3% had a diagnosis other than plantar fasciitis but no sinister pathology. We therefore conclude that MRI scan is not routinely indicated and key is careful clinical assessment. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective, Case series.

Incidence and risk factors of calcaneal enthesophytes in spondyloarthritis and trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: Achilles enthesitis and plantar fasciitis are the features of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Enthesophytes may indicate enthesitis, but their incidence is also high in elderly individuals and in athletes. This study aimed to clarify the incidences and risk factors of Achilles enthesophyte (AE) and plantar entesophye (PE) in SpA and trauma patients. METHOD: We retrospectively surveyed radiographs of the feet of SpA and trauma patients in our hospital. The SpA group included 17 patients (33 feet), and the trauma group included 33 patients (37 feet) who had undergone surgery between April 2013 and March 2014. RESULTS: The incidence of AEs was 63.6% (21 feet) in the SpA group and 54.1% (20 feet) in the trauma group (p = 0.45). The incidence of PEs was 48.9% (16 feet) in the SpA group and 16.2% (6 feet) in the trauma group. The SpA group had a higher prevalence of PEs than the trauma group (p < 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for AEs and PEs were SpA and age. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for AEs and PEs were found to be advanced age and the presence of SpA.

Sonographic Evaluation of the Plantar Heel in Asymptomatic Endurance Runners.

OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence and spectrum of asymptomatic sonographically determined structural changes in the plantar fascia and plantar heel pad among experienced runners without a history of heel pain. METHODS: Thirty-nine asymptomatic runners without a history of plantar heel pain were recruited. The following sonographic measures were recorded: power Doppler sonography in the plantar heel pad and plantar fascia, echo texture of the plantar heel pad, uncompressed heel pad thickness, compressed heel pad thickness, heel pad compressibility index, plantar fascia thickness, and plantar fascia echo texture. RESULTS: Doppler flow was shown in the plantar heel pads of 88% (68 of 77) of heels and 92% (36 of 39) of runners. Heel pad echo texture abnormalities were found in 86% (66 of 77) of heels and 97% (38 of 39) of runners. Mean values for right and left uncompressed heel pad thickness were 13.8 and 13.7 mm, respectively. The mean heel pad compressibility indices were 0.51 for the right heel and 0.53 for the left heel. Eight percent (6 of 77) of fat pads in 10% (4 of 39) of runners had abnormal compressibility indices. Doppler flow was present in the plantar fascia in 31% (24 of 77) of heels and 44% (17 of 39) of runners. The mean plantar fascia thicknesses were 3.78 mm for the right and 3.87 mm for the left. Forty-eight percent (37 of 77) of heels had an abnormal plantar fascia echo texture. CONCLUSIONS: At least 1 potentially abnormal sonographic finding was present in each heel of all asymptomatic runners in this study. Consequently, sonographic abnormalities in the plantar heel should be interpreted within the clinical context when evaluating runners.

High Prevalence of Obesity and Female Gender Among Patients With Concomitant Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis.

UNLABELLED: The link between increased body weight and hindfoot complaints is largely based on correlation to single foot pathology. We retrospectively reviewed 6879 patients with tibialis posterior tendonitis (TPT), plantar fasciitis (PF), or both. Among patients with either TPT or PF, 1 in 11 (9%) had both. We then compared age, gender, and body mass index among these groups. Patients with both diagnoses were neither statistically older nor more obese than patients with single diagnoses. However, they were statistically more female. Given the overall high prevalence of obesity in the study population, we feel these data support the link between obesity and multiple foot pathology. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level IV: Case series.

Relación de la postura del pie con las lesiones más frecuentes en atletas. Un estudio piloto / Relationship of the foot posture with the most frequent injuries in athletes. A pilot study

Motivo y objetivos: Diversas investigaciones han establecido que las distintas patologías de la extremidad inferior pueden venir provocadas por la postura del pie, sin embargo, no está claro qué tipo de pie es propenso a padecer lesiones traumáticas o por sobrecarga. Por ello, el objetivo de nuestro estudio ha sido establecer si la postura del pie está relacionada con la aparición de lesiones en corredores populares, tanto traumáticas como por sobrecarga. Material y método: Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo y transversal. La muestra se compuso de 40 corredores (29 hombres y 11 mujeres), con una edad media de 35 ± 9 años. Se preguntó a los atletas por sus hábitos atléticos, tipo de calzado, lesiones traumáticas y por si hubieran padecido sobrecarga. Se midieron los 6 criterios del FPI (FootPostureIndex), obteniendo la puntuación final y el grupo al que pertenecen. Se realizaron tablas de contingencia y prueba de chi-cuadrado para valorar las diferencias por grupo. Resultados: 23 corredores presentaron el pie derecho neutro (57,5%), mientras que en el izquierdo fueron 24 (60%.) Los pies pronados representaron entre el 20-25%. Sólo un pie izquierdo presentó una postura altamente supinada. Los pies pronados presentaron una mayor prevalencia de fascitis plantar en pie derecho (p=0.048) e izquierdo (p=0.015). En el pie izquierdo los pies pronados también presentaron síndrome de la cintilla iliotibal. Las lesiones traumáticas no se relacionaron con ningún tipo de pie. Conclusiones: La mitad de los corredores habían padecido fascitis plantar en algún momento de su vida deportiva relacionada con los pies pronados. Esto puede ser debido a que la disminución de la altura del arco medial provoca una distensión de los tejidos plantares, produciendo la inflamación o desgarro de la fascia

Background and objective: Some researches had established that lower limb diseases might be related with foot posture. However, it´s still unclear which group of feet is related to traumatic or overuse injuries. So, the aim of this study was to establish if any foot posture in recreational runners is related with appearance of injuries, either traumatic or for overuse. Material and methods: A prospective and cross-sectional study was designed. The sample consisted in 40 runners (29 man, and 11 women), with a mean age of 35 ± 9 years. Runners were asked about athletic habits, kind of sports shoes and traumatic and overuse injuries suff ered. 6 individual criteria of Foot Posture Index were evaluated, obtaining a fi nal score and classifi ed in a group. Contingence tables and chi-squared test were made to asses’ diff erences by group. Results: 23 runners presented rigth foot neutral (57,5%), while in left foot was 24 (60%.) Pronated feet represented between 20-25%. Only one left foot presented a highly supinated posture. Pronated feet presented more prevalence of plantar fascitis in right (p=0.048) and left (p=0.015) foot. In left foot, presented feet presented ilio-tibial syndrome. Traumatic injuries were not related with any group of feet. Conclusions: Half runners of the sample suff ered plantar fascitis in a moment of their athletic career, being related with the pronated feet. This might be due to the lower height of the medial longitudinal arch that distends plantar tissues and making the inflammation or tear of the plantar fascia

Systematic review: plantar fasciitis and prolonged weight bearing.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common causes of foot pain. Work can involve factors that may predispose to foot pain. AIMS: To systematically review the evidence of the association between weight bearing (walking or standing) and PF among workers. METHODS: Literature search of relevant indexing databases from inception to May 2012, grey literature, websites of relevant organizations and reference lists for all identified articles. Two reviewers independently selected studies for full review, assessed methodological quality and graded evidence. Findings were summarized qualitatively. RESULTS: Four studies were included; all were assessed as high or unclear risk of bias. Three studies were case-control studies; two used clinic populations and one used volunteers. The other study was cross-sectional involving the workforce of an assembly plant. A number of associations between PF and risk factors were identified including sex, obesity, foot biomechanics and job factors (e.g. job tenure). Two case-control studies and the cross-sectional study found an association with weight bearing, but the assessment of weight bearing varied (e.g. time on feet, time walking or standing). There was low-quality evidence to confirm a causal relationship (Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) * grade). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found low-quality evidence of an association between PF and weight-bearing tasks such as walking and standing on hard surfaces. The only occupations specifically identified as having higher risk were those associated with the engine assembly plant. Further research is required to fully determine the association between weight bearing and PF.

Plantar fasciitis and its relationship with hallux limitus.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine whether patients with plantar fasciitis have limited dorsiflexion in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and which type of foot, pronated or supinated, is most frequently associated with plantar fasciitis. METHODS: The 100 study participants (34 men and 66 women) were divided into two groups: patients with plantar fasciitis and controls. The Foot Posture Index and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were compared between the two groups, and a correlation analysis was conducted to study their relationship. RESULTS: In the plantar fasciitis group there was a slight limitation of dorsiflexion of the hallux that was not present in the control group (P < .001). Hallux dorsiflexion and the Foot Posture Index were inversely correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient, -0.441; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with plantar fasciitis presented less hallux dorsiflexion than those in the control group, and their most common foot type was the pronated foot.

Efectividad de distintas terapias físicas en el tratamiento conservador de la fascitis plantar. Revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of different physical therapy in conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis. Systematic review

Fundamentos: La fascitis plantar es la afección más frecuente de dolor no traumático en el tobillo-pie. Se presenta más en mujeres entre los 40-70 años con comienzo progresivo y difuso en planta del pie o tobillo que poco a poco se agudiza impidiendo la marcha. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si las distintas terapias físicas utilizadas en el tratamiento conservador de la fascitis plantar de al menos un mes de evolución son efectivas individualmente y/o combinadas entre sí. Métodos: Revisión sistemática en las bases de datos The Cochrane Library Plus, Medline, Lilacs, IBECS, IME, PEDro y Enfispo sin restricción de fecha, en español e inglés. Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos controlados aleatoriamente con personas adultas diagnosticadas de fascitis plantar, estudios de intervención, prospectivos y revisiones sistemáticas. La evaluación de la elegibilidad de los estudios fue desarrollada por dos revisores de manera independiente, estandarizada y no cegada. Para clasificarlos, se utilizó la escala crítica PEDro, formulario de calidad metodológica y una revisión crítica de cada resumen y si esto no fue concluyente evaluación del texto completo. Resultados: Se revisó un total de 32 artículos a texto completo. Las técnicas más empleadas fueron los estiramientos y las ondas de choque, aunque los mejores resultados se obtuvieron combinando varias técnicas. Las ondas de choque fueron efectivas cuando otras técnicas fracasaron. Conclusiones: Las terapias físicas empleadas en los distintos estudios han demostrado ser eficaces aunque en distinta medida ya sea para disminuir el dolor o aliviar los síntomas de la fascitis plantar (AU)

Background: Plantar fasciitis is the most common disease of non-traumatic pain in the ankle-foot. It is more common in women aged 40-70 years and diffuse progressive start the foot or ankle that gradually worsens preventing progress. The aim of this work is to determine whether different physical therapies used in the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis of at least one month duration in adults are effective individually and / or in combination. Methods: A systematic review databases in The Cochrane Library, Medline, Lilacs, IBECS, IME, PEDro and ENFISPO no date restriction, in Spanish and English languages. Randomized controlled trials were included of adult patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, intervention studies, prospective and systematic reviews. Assessment of study eligibility was developed by two reviewers independently and unblinded standardized. To classify, we used the PEDro scale critical, form of methodological quality plus a critical review of each summary and if this was not conclusive assessment of the full text. Results: 32 full-text articles were reviewed. Most used techniques are the stretches and shock waves, although the best results are obtained by combining several techniques. Shock waves are effective when other techniques have failed. Conclusion: Physical therapies used in the various studies have proven effective to varying degrees either to reduce pain or relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis (AU)