Differences in impulse distribution patterns in patients with plantar fasciitis

The impulse distribution based upon vertical foot-floor reaction forces and time under the fore-, mid-, and hindfoot was determined using Tekscan's F-Scan system. This was compared in 40 barefoot patients with longstanding plantar fasciitis with an equal number of normal subjects. The patient group tended to load the hind-and midfoot to a lesser extent than the control group. Consequently, a greater proportionate load was borne by the forefoot. This result was highly significant for both the midfoot (P < 0.001) and forefoot (P = 0.002) comparisons. An objective biomechanical method such as this may be useful as a diagnostic aid, to identify individuals predisposed to this condition, and for evaluating the efficacy of various treatment modalities.