The Effects of Terrain Variation on Intrinsic Foot Musculature in Healthy Individuals and Individuals With Plantar Fasciitis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · Sep 29, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of ground surfaces, or terrain variation, affect the muscles in our feet, particularly in people with a condition called plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain. The researchers believe that both modern shoes and the lack of walking on varied surfaces may contribute to foot problems by weakening the small muscles in the feet. By comparing healthy individuals with those suffering from plantar fasciitis, the study aims to understand how these factors influence foot strength and overall function.

To participate, you must be over 18 years old. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should have been experiencing pain in your heel for more than 60 days, which worsens during activities but improves with light movement. Healthy individuals can also join, but you should not have any current foot pain or other serious medical conditions that affect your feet or legs. Participants can expect to undergo assessments related to foot strength and function, and the study is currently recruiting volunteers. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this could be a great opportunity to contribute to important research that could improve our understanding of foot health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for Group A:
• • Patients presenting to the University of Florida Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute with pain on the plantar medial or central heel for greater than 60 days with the following features
• • Pain upon palpation, or insidious pain onset
• • Pain accentuated after long periods of weight bearing activities or after periods of rest
• • A reduction in pain following light activities (McPoil et al., 2008)
• • Failure to respond to treatment modalities for 6 months, including plantar fascia and muscle stretching, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, supportive insoles, and night splints
• • Age \>18 years
• Inclusion Criteria for Group B:
• • Healthy individuals in the general population of Gainesville and surrounding areas
• • Age \>18
• Exclusion Criteria for Group A:
• • History of lower leg or foot surgery, hindfoot trauma or fracture of the affected limb within the previous year.
• • Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, neurological disease, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, tarsal tunnel syndrome or heel pad syndrome
• • Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 35
• • Currently taking or applying any anti-inflammatory medication or medication to control nerve pathology, prescription or over the counter
• • Third trimester pregnancy
• Exclusion Criteria for Group B:
• • Any foot or lower limb pathology resulting in discomfort or gait limitation
• • Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, neurological disease
• • BMI \>35
• • Currently taking or applying any anti-inflammatory medication or medication to control nerve pathology, prescription or over the counter
• • Third trimester pregnancy