Differences in impulse distribution in patients with plantar fasciitis.
The impulse distribution based upon vertical foot-floor reaction forces and time under the fore-, mid-, and hindfoot was determined using Tekscan's F-Scan system. This was compared in 40 barefoot patients with long-standing plantar fasciitis with an equal number of normal subjects. The patient group tended to load the hind- and midfoot to a lesser extent than the control group. Consequently, a greater proportionate load was borne by the forefoot. This result was highly significant for both the midfoot (P < 0.001) and forefoot (P = 0.002) comparisons. An objective biomechanical method such as this may be useful as a diagnostic aid, to identify individuals predisposed to this condition, and for evaluating the efficacy of various treatment modalities.
Bedi
H S
HS
Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Love
B R
BR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D016474:Weight-Bearing