Calcaneal spur: Clinical problem, physical Therapy Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis, also called calcaneal spur, is a progressive degenerative condition occurring regardless of age or sex, with heel pain as the first symptom. Calcaneal spur develops over a period of many months or years. Risk factors include overweight or obesity, past injuries, lower limb length discrepancy, foot defects or ill-fitting shoes. Physical therapy is a crucial part of calcaneal spur treatment. Aim: To assess the most common risk factors for calcaneal spur as well as the efficacy of physical therapy and its effects on the quality of life.material and methods: The study group consisted of 40 patients with calcaneal spur treated at the Rehabilitation Centre of the Health Care Facility in Pińczów. Before and after treatment, the patients underwent a physical examination and history-taking, completed a survey and rated their pain on a pain assessment scale, and participated in a painless walking distance test. The data were statistically analysed.Results: The results showed that risk factors significantly contribute to the development of calcaneal spur and that there is a strong relationship between time from diagnosis and period of improvement after treatment. Physical therapy reduced or eliminated pain in the study patients, improved their ability to ambulate, and increased their quality of life. Conclusions: Physical therapy is a crucial part of calcaneal spur treatment.