Abstract
Aim: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a prevalent condition in which individuals usually adopt an antalgic gait pattern. These compensations change the joint position sense, cause body oscillations, and can impair balance. Limited information is available on the presence of balance impairment and its impact on fear of falling and foot function.
Materials and methods: This case control study enrolled 74 participants, 37 participants diagnosed with unilateral plantar fasciitis, with positive plantar stretch and windlass test, and 37 age-matched healthy subjects after obtaining written consent. The participants’ balance, regional function, and fear of falling were measured using a balance and postural stability system, the Foot Function Index (FFI) and the Falls Efficacy Scale-I (FES-I) questionnaire. The influence of balance impairment on FES-I and FFI, as well as the cause-effect relationship, was analyzed using odds ratio and regression analysis.
Result: Postural sway in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions was compared between groups, and a significant difference was noted in the case group (p < 0.0001). The FES-I and FFI demonstrated greater fear of falling and decreased foot function in subjects with unilateral plantar fasciitis than the healthy controls (p < 0.0001). The odds ratio is 25.67, which reflects the causative relationship. Individuals with plantar fasciitis who had greater anteroposterior sway with eyes closed are at 1.9 times greater risk of being afraid of falling and 3.5 times greater risk of having reduction in foot function.
Conclusion: Individuals with plantar fasciitis had balance impairment with greater anteroposterior and lateral sway with eyes closed. Balance impairment influences fear of falling and regional foot function.