Predictors for Pain and Function in Plantar Fasciopathy

Background

Plantar fasciopathy is a common condition that causes heel pain and affects daily activities and quality of life. While many people recover, some continue to experience pain. This study looks at what factors can predict pain and function one year after starting treatment.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 200 patients with plantar fasciopathy who participated in a treatment trial. We examined their initial characteristics to find predictors of pain and function after 12 months. We used statistical models to identify these predictors.

Results

Key findings include:

Reduced Pain: Unilateral (one-sided) heel pain, lower physical activity, and more repetitions in a heel-rise test were linked to less pain.
Better Functioning: Unilateral heel pain, shorter duration of pain, and being married or living with someone were associated with better function.

Conclusions

Unilateral heel pain was the strongest predictor of pain and function improvement after 12 months. Patients with bilateral (both-sided) pain may require more thorough assessment and treatment. These insights can help healthcare providers manage patients with ongoing plantar fasciopathy more effectively.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472989. Registered on March 20, 2018.

Value of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential for developing safe and effective treatments. Our AI-driven platform, DocSym, helps integrate clinical standards and research into a user-friendly resource for healthcare providers.

Streamlining Healthcare

In today’s healthcare landscape, efficiency is vital. Our mobile apps assist with scheduling, treatment monitoring, and telemedicine, simplifying patient care management.