Radiological Evaluation of the Relationship Between Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Arch Angles in Adults

Abstract

Objective: The foot arch deformation increases plantar fasciitis (PF) and plantar calcaneal spur (PCS) for-mation. As a result, the heel fat pad becomes thinner. This study investigated the relationship between plantar fasciitis and foot arch angles. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who had PF patients (n = 53) and healthy individu-als (n = 71) without PF. We have evaluated the presence of PCS and heel fat pad thickness measurements on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary’s angle), lateral talocal-caneal angle, and calcaneal inclination angle measurements were performed on X-ray images. Results: The mean age of the PF group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). The degrees of Meary’s angle and calcaneus inclination angle were significantly higher in the PF group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.026, respectively) than in the control group. The incidence of PCS was significantly higher in the PF group (p = 0.028). In the binary logistic regression analysis model, high Meary’s angle and calcaneal pitch angle were found to be associated with the risk of PF. There was also a significant association between age and the pres-ence of PCS and PF. Conclusion: Changes in Meary’s angle and calcaneal pitch angle were significant risk factors for PF.