Balance impairment, presence of fear of fall and regional functional status in individuals with unilateral Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis results from irritation of the plantar fascia originating from the medial calcaneal tubercle of the heel and structures surrounding the fascia. Plantar fasciitis occur in about 10% of the general population, with 83% of these patients being active, working adults between the ages of 20 and 65. Studies suggest that plantar fasciitis increases the risk of falls in the elderly population and was also found to increase the risk of falls and balance disturbances in the population younger than 65 years of age. Thus the purpose for the study is to compare whether balance impairment affects the regional function and increase the fear of fall in individuals with unilateral plantar fasciitis and in age matched healthy individuals. The impaired balance, fear of fall and regional function has to be noted using the objective measures. After receiving written informed consent, participants with unilateral Plantar fasciitis based on the inclusion criteria and age matched healthy subjects are recruited from Sri Ramachandra physiotherapy OPD for the study. A total sample size of 74 will be taken. To determine the balance impairment Balance and postural stability system is used. The regional function is measured using Foot Function Index and the fear of fall is measured using FES - I questionarie.