Heel pad compressibility and plantar tissue elasticity in plantar fasciitis

ABSTRACT

A study of heel pad thickness and compressibility using lateral radiographs of the foot in loaded and unloaded position over a metal wedge in plaster slipper was carried out on 63 patients with plantar fasciitis and 80 normal subjects. The calcaneometatarsal angle was also measured in loaded and unloaded position to assess the plantar tissue elasticity in both groups. The body mass index and heel pad compressibility index [resistance to compression] were significantly higher for the patients compared to normal subjects. The plantar tissue elasticity index was less for the patients compared to normal [less resilience]. Diminished compressibility of the heel pad and decreased elasticity of the plantar tissue might be a factor in plantar fasciitis and might have a bearing on treatment of resistant cases