Abstract
BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disease, it shares with plantar fasciitis similar risk factors including aging, occupation, obesity, and inappropriate shoe wear. The association between knee OA and heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis has received limited attention to date.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to detect plantar fasciitis using ultrasound in patients with confirmed knee OA.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including 30 patients with symptomatic knee OA. Health status was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index. The functional impairment of knee OA was determined by the Lequesne index. Ultrasound evaluation of heels was performed in all patients searching signs of plantar fasciitis (measure thickness, echogenicity, enthesopathy, calcification, erosion, doppler).ResultsThe study included 30 patients. Mean age was 62.09 +/- 6.7 years. Patients reported lower back pain and heel pain in 67% (n=20) and 47% (n=14) respectively. Knee symptoms were evaluated by the WOMAC index: mean score for pain, stiffness, and physical function was 9.68 +/- 4.25, 4,18 +/- 7.55 and 27.27 +/- 16.39, respectively. Mean Lequesne index for the knee OA was 11,4 +/- 4,57. Physical examination revealed limited range of motion in knees in 33 % (n=10) with a genu flexum in two patients. Patella tap was positive in 20 % (n=6).Heel ultrasound revealed thickening of the plantar fascia in 50% (n=15). Other sonographic abnormalities found were loss of fibrillar structure in 26.7% (n=8), perifascial collections in 13.3% (n=4), calcifications in 16.7 % (n=5) and erosions in 33.3% (n=10). No correlation was found between health status attested by WOMAC index and the presence of plantar fasciitis.ConclusionOur study showed that half of our knee OA patients have plantar fasciitis confirmed with ultrasound. More studies with larger cohorts are needed to explain the correlation between the two lesions.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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