scholarly journals Ultrasonography features of the intrinsic foot muscles in patients with and without plantar fasciitis: A novel case-control research study

Author(s):  
Lorena Canosa-Carro ◽  
Daniel López-López ◽  
Paula García-Bermejo ◽  
Emmanuel Navarro-Flores ◽  
Carmen de Labra-Pinedo ◽  
...  

IntroductionPlantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain.(1) This condition was described as a degenerative syndrome associated with pain, lack of functionality and stiffness on the plantar fascia. The aim of the present study was to compare with ultrasound imaging (USI) the thickness and cross-sectional area of the intrinsic foot muscles between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis (PF).Material and methodsA total of 64 volunteers from 18 to 55 years were recruited for the present study. The sample was divided in two groups: A group, composed of participants diagnosed by PF (n = 32) and B group, composed by healthy participants (n = 32).ResultsUSI measurements for FBH CSA (p = 0.035) was decreasing showing statistically significant differences for the PF group, while the QP CSA (p = 0.40) was increasing reporting statistically significant differences for the PF group with respect the healthy group. The rest of the IFM did not show statistically significant differences, however in FHB, FDB, QP and AHB thicknesses and FDB CSA a slightly decrease for the PF group have been observed.ConclusionsUSI measurements showed that the CSA of the FHB muscle is reduced in patients with PF while the CSA of the QP muscle is increased in patients with PF.

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20
Author(s):  
Yusak Mangara Tua Siahaan ◽  
Pricilla Yani Gunawan ◽  
Jeffry Foraldy Haryanto ◽  
Veli Sungono

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common problem caused by thickening of the plantar fascia. The normal plantar fascia thickness ranged between 2-3 mm and it was generally accepted that value more than 4mm was considered pathologic. Objective: to identify normal plantar fascia thickness in adults using ultrasonography. Methods: This is a cross sectional study measuring the thickness of plantar fascia in 145 subjects with no history of heel pain. Plantar fascia thickness was measured in both feet using an ultrasound. Age, height and weight were recorded and analysed. Results: As much as 145 subjects were included in this study. Male to female ratio was 0.7. Mean age was 44 and body mass index (BMI) was mostly within normal range. Plantar fascia thickness in male was 2.71 ± 0.48 mm in right foot, and 2.74 ± 0.47 mm in left foot. Fascia thickness in female was 2.55 ± 0.50 mm in right foot, and 2.57 ± 0.45 mm in left foot. There was a significant plantar fascia thickness difference between male and female (p = 0.035 in right foot, and p=0.04 in left foot). Age, weight and BMI had a significant correlation towards plantar fascia thickness. In multivariate analysis, age and BMI revealed to have a linear correlation to plantar fascia thickness Conclusion: Age and BMI were found to be the best predictive factor of plantar fascia thickness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 208-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Romero-Morales ◽  
Pedro Javier Martín-Llantino ◽  
César Calvo-Lobo ◽  
Jaime Almazán-Polo ◽  
Daniel López-López ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Singh ◽  
J. Zwirner ◽  
F. Templer ◽  
D. Kieser ◽  
S. Klima ◽  
...  

AbstractCurrent treatments of plantar fasciitis are based on the premise that the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) are mechanically directly linked, which is an area of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological relationship between the AT and PF. Nineteen cadaveric feet were x-ray imaged, serially sectioned and plastinated for digital image analyses. Measurements of the AT and PF thicknesses and cross-sectional areas (CSA) were performed at their calcaneal insertion. The fiber continuity was histologically assessed in representative subsamples. Strong correlations exist between the CSA of the AT and PF at calcaneal insertion and the CSA of PF’s insertional length (r = 0.80), and between the CSAs of AT’s and PF’s insertional lengths. Further correlations were observed between AT and PF thicknesses (r = 0.62). This close morphological relationship could, however, not be confirmed through x-ray nor complete fiber continuity in histology. This study provides evidence for a morphometric relationship between the AT and PF, which suggests the presence of a functional relationship between these two structures following the biological key idea that the structure determines the function. The observed morphological correlations substantiate the existing mechanical link between the AT and PF via the posterior calcaneus and might explain why calf stretches are a successful treatment option for plantar heel pain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Granado ◽  
Everett B. Lohman ◽  
Noha S. Daher ◽  
Keith E. Gordon

Background: Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool for patients with plantar fasciitis. However, the lack of standardization during the measurement for plantar fascia thickness has made it challenging to understand the etiology of plantar fasciitis, as well as identify risk factors, such as gender. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences regarding plantar fascia thickness while controlling for metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint position in the healthy and those with unilateral plantar fasciitis. Methods: Forty participants (20 with unilateral plantar fasciitis and 20 controls) with plantar fascia thickness (mean age, 44.8 ± 12.2 years) participated in this study. The majority were females (n = 26, 65%). Plantar fascia thickness was measured via ultrasound 3 times at 3 different MTP joint positions: (1) at rest, (2) at 30 degrees of extension, and (3) at maximal extension. Results: When comparing gender differences, the males in the plantar fasciitis group had a significantly thicker plantar fascia than the females ( P = .048, η2 = 2.35). However, no significant differences were observed between healthy males and females. The males with unilateral plantar fasciitis also had significantly thicker asymptomatic plantar fasciae collectively compared with controls ( P < .05), whereas females with unilateral plantar fasciitis had a similar but not significant change. Conclusion: It appears that healthy males and females have similar plantar fascia thickness. However, as plantar fasciitis develops, males tend to develop thicker plantar fasciae than their female counterparts, which could have future treatment implications. Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control comparative study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Yelverton ◽  
Sunil Rama ◽  
Bernhard Zipfel

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the common causes of heel pain and a common musculoskeletal problem often observed by clinicians. Numerous options are available in treating plantar fasciitis conservatively, but no previous studies have compared combined conservative management protocols.Aim: The aim of this study was to compare manipulation of the foot and ankle and cross friction massage of the plantar fascia; cross friction massage of the plantar fascia and gastrocsoleus complex stretching; and a combination of the aforementioned protocols in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.Setting: This study was conducted at the University of Johannesburg, Chiropractic Day Clinic, and included participants that complied with relevant inclusion criteria.Methods: Forty-five participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years with heel pain for more than 3 months were divided into three groups and received one of the proposed treatment interventions. The data collected were range of motion (ROM) of the ankle (using a goniometer) and pain perception using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Functional foot index and algometer.Results: The results of this study indicate that cross friction massage of the plantar fascia and stretching of the gastrocsoleus complex showed the greatest overall improvement in terms of reducing the pain and disability and ankle dorsiflexion ROM, whereas the combination group showed the greatest increase in plantar flexion.Conclusion: The results demonstrated that all three protocols had a positive effect on the ROM and pain perception to patients with plantar fasciitis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0010
Author(s):  
Blake Baer ◽  
Kathleen C. Ringenbach ◽  
Christopher E. Honstad ◽  
Paul J. Juliano ◽  
Umur Aydogan

Category: Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot; Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: Chronic heel pain often presents diagnostic and treatment challenges, in part because symptoms attributed to chronic plantar fasciitis may be part of a larger constellation of associated symptoms. This could explain unsatisfactory symptom relief in many patients who undergo surgical partial plantar fascia release after failing conservative therapy. While previous studies have suggested that additional releases of the distal tarsal tunnel and first branch of lateral plantar (Baxter’s) nerve may improve outcomes in the setting of chronic and recalcitrant heel pain, this combined surgical approach has yet to be documented. Surgically addressing constricted neurologic structures of the tarsal tunnel and Baxter’s nerve alongside partial plantar fasciectomy may lead to improved pain relief and overall patient outcomes. Methods: Study participants were retrospectively identified by database search for relevant criteria and specific CPT codes. Patient outcomes post operation were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement (FAAM) and sports subscale questionnaires as outcome measures. Inclusion criteria included age greater than 18 years old, at least 6 months since surgery at time of survey, and clinical diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis surgically treated by partial plantar fasciectomy with Baxter’s nerve release and tarsal tunnel release performed by either of two staff surgeons between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, all patients who were unwilling to participate in the phone survey or were unable to be reached, and all non-English speaking patients were excluded. Eligible patients (N=87) were consented and surveyed by phone. Results: Mean surgery-to-survey time was 39.25 +- 24.33 months. Mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 26.73 +- 30.58 months. Mean visual analogue pain (VAS) pre-surgery was 8.47 +- 1.82 (n=84). Survey respondents reported mean scores of 73.10 +- 22.09 and 49.13 +- 1.82 on the ADL score and sports subscale of the FAAM respectively. In retrospectively assessing whether patients would have chosen the surgery again, 70.93% (n=61) reported ‘yes’ while 29.07% (n=25) reported ‘no.’ Significant positive confounders were longer surgery to survey time in months (B= 0.21, p<0.01) and longer pre-surgical symptom length in months (B= 0.169, p<0.04). History of prior foot surgery (B= -22.128, p<0.0001) was identified as a significant negative confounding variable. Conclusion: Patients with chronic plantar fasciitis may benefit from a combined surgical approach involving Baxter’s nerve release and tarsal tunnel release in addition to standard partial plantar fasciectomy. This study demonstrated that this surgical approach is successful with FAAM ADL scores of 73.10 +- 22.09 (n=87) along with 70.9% (n=61) of patients reporting satisfaction with surgical outcome. Considering these implications, future high-quality studies further investigating any comparative benefit of this combined approach over traditional methods are warranted. [Table: see text]


2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (8) ◽  
pp. 1002-1008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott C Wearing ◽  
James E Smeathers ◽  
Patrick M Sullivan ◽  
Bede Yates ◽  
Stephen R Urry ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Although plantar fascial thickening is a sonographic criterion for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, the effect of local loading and structural factors on fascial morphology are unknown. The purposes of this study were to compare sonographic measures of fascial thickness and radiographic measures of arch shape and regional loading of the foot during gait in individuals with and without unilateral plantar fasciitis and to investigate potential relationships between these loading and structural factors and the morphology of the plantar fascia in individuals with and without heel pain. Subjects: The participants were 10 subjects with unilateral plantar fasciitis and 10 matched asymptomatic controls. Methods: Heel pain on weight bearing was measured by a visual analog scale. Fascial thickness and static arch angle were determined from bilateral sagittal sonograms and weight-bearing lateral foot roentgenograms. Regional plantar loading was estimated from a pressure plate. Results: On average, the plantar fascia of the symptomatic limb was thicker than the plantar fascia of the asymptomatic limb (6.1±1.4 mm versus 4.2±0.5 mm), which, in turn, was thicker than the fascia of the matched control limbs (3.4±0.5 mm and 3.5±0.6 mm). Pain was correlated with fascial thickness, arch angle, and midfoot loading in the symptomatic foot. Fascial thickness, in turn, was positively correlated with arch angle in symptomatic and asymptomatic feet and with peak regional loading of the midfoot in the symptomatic limb. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings indicate that fascial thickness and pain in plantar fasciitis are associated with the regional loading and static shape of the arch.


1994 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 376-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Robert Sellman

A series of 37 patients, all with a presumptive diagnosis of plantar fascia rupture, is presented. All had had prior heel pain diagnosed as plantar fasciitis, and all had been treated with corticosteroid injection into the calcaneal origin of the fascia. One third described a sudden tearing episode in the heel, while the rest had a gradual change in symptoms. Most of the patients had relief of the original heel pain, which had been replaced by a variety of new foot problems, including dorsal and lateral midfoot pain, swelling, foot weakness, metatarsal pain, and metatarsal fracture. In all 37 patients, there was a palpable diminution in the tension of the plantar fascia on the involved side, and footprints often showed a flattening of the involved arch. Magnetic resonance imaging done on one patient showed attenuation of the plantar fascia. From these observations and data, the author concluded that plantar fascia rupture had occurred. Treatment following rupture included supportive shoes, orthoses, and time. The majority had resolution of their new symptoms, but this often took 6 to 12 months to occur. In the remainder, there were persisting symptoms. Corticosteroid injections, although helpful in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, appear to predispose to plantar fascia rupture.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Purnima Guatham ◽  
Shibili Nuhmani ◽  
Shaji John Kachanathu

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of inferior heel pain managed by many physical therapists in variety of clinical settings and wildly treated conservatively. It is usually caused by a biomechanical imbalance resulting in tension along the plantar fascia. It is estimated that 11% to 15% of all foot complaints requiring medical attention can be attributed to this condition. The patient typically presents with inferior heel pain on weight bearing. Pain associated with plantar fasciitis may be throbbing, searing, or piercing, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This article present on overview of the current knowledge on plantar fasciitis and focuses on biomechanics, etiology, diagnosis and treatment strategies, conservative treatment including the physical therapy management are discussed. This information should assist health care practitioners who treat patients with this disorder DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.17052 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.3-8


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supl 1) ◽  
pp. 96S
Author(s):  
Henrique Mansur ◽  
Guilherme Gonçalves Feijó Carvalho ◽  
Isnar Moreira de Castro Júnior

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory process of multifactorial etiology that affects the origin of the plantar fascia and surrounding structures. A difference in length between lower limbs is relatively common within the population and can sometimes cause changes in biomechanics and symptoms. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between lower limb dysmetria and plantar fasciitis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to measure the length of the lower limbs by scanometry in patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Other risk factors, such as body mass index, foot shape and the presence of plantar calcaneal spur, were also assessed in foot radiographs. Results: Of the 54 patients included in the study, 44.4% were men, and the mean age was 50.38 (23-73 years); 81.5% had pain in one foot, and 53.7% had feet that were considered plantigrade. We observed dysmetria in 88.9% of the sample, with a mean of 0.749 cm (SD ±0.63). In addition, 46.3% feet with pain showed calcaneal spurs on the radiographs. Conclusion: Approximately 90% of patients showed lower-limb dysmetria and, in most cases, the side with the shorter limb was affected by plantar fasciitis


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