by Administrator on March 27, 2010
In the Feb 2010 edition of Radiological Medicine is a study looking at the use of weightbearing MRI for the assessment of plantar fasciitis. They were able to identify the changes in the MRI signal that was associated with plantar fasciitis. The thickness of the plantar fascia was in those with plantar fasciitis was also reduced due to strecthing in the weightbearing position compared to the supine position. This is an interesting observation given the emphasis that is put on the thickness of the plantar fascia with ultrasound measurement. The other interesting finding in this study was of 15 cases looked at, 4 had partial tears of the plantar fascia visible on the weightbearing MRI.
by Administrator on March 27, 2010
A recent study published in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation looked at what were the risk for plantar fasciitis in assembly plant workers. Plantar fasciitis was found to be very common in this group of workers and the factors that increased the risk for it were almost all due to increased time spent weightbearing. The factors that increased the risk were: forefoot pronation on physical examination; high metatarsal pressure on the gait assessment; increasing time spent standing on hard surfaces; increased time spent walking; medium tenure at the plant; and an increased number of times getting in and out of the vehicle (for the truck/forklift drivers). From this, it appears that one of the best methods t address this from a public health perspective would be way to reduce time spent weight bearing. For the latest on plantar fasciitis, see Podiatry Arena, with an interesting dialogue on plantar fasciitis.
