Predictors for pain and functioning in patients with plantar fasciopathy one year after inclusion in a treatment trial in specialist care.

Background: Plantar fasciopathy is common, is characterized by heel pain and is associated with decreased functioning and health-related quality of life. While many recover from this condition, a considerable number of people experience persistent heel pain. This study seeks to evaluate predictors for pain and function twelve months after inclusion in a treatment trial in specialist care.

Methods: Secondary analysis was conducted on 200 patients with plantar fasciopathy included in a randomized controlled trial and followed for twelve months. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were included as possible predictors. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models were applied to identify predictors for foot pain (Numeric rating scale) and function (Foot Function Index revised short form) at 12-month follow-up.

Results: Unilateral heel pain, lower physical activity level and higher number of repetitions in the clinical heel-rise test were identified as statistically significant predictors for reduced pain. Unilateral heel pain, shorter duration of heel pain and being married/cohabitating were predictors for better functioning.

Conclusions: Unilateral heel pain as opposed to bilateral heel pain, was the most consistent positive predictor for the outcomes pain and function in plantar fasciopathy at 12-month follow-up. Hence, patients with bilateral PF may need extended assessment and treatment. Other predictors varied among outcomes. These findings may be used to improve clinical management of patients with persistent PF.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472989. Date of registration 2018-03-20.