J Foot Ankle Res. 2025 Sep;18(3):e70067. doi: 10.1002/jfa2.70067.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Plantar fasciopathy is the most common painful condition in the foot and may imply long-term pain and functional limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess the time pattern of recovery in pain, function, and health-related quality of life over 12 months in patients with plantar fasciopathy and assess whether demographic or clinical characteristics could influence these trajectories.
METHODS: 200 participants referred to specialized care, diagnosed with plantar fasciopathy, and randomly assigned to advice plus customized orthosis or advice plus customized orthosis in combination with radial ESWT, sham-rESWT, or high-load exercises were included. Linear mixed model analysis based on demographic information, clinical characteristics, heel pain during activity and at rest the last week, and functioning and health-related quality at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months were conducted.
RESULTS: Pain, function, and health-related quality of life improved gradually from baseline to 12 months follow-up with largest improvement within the first 3 months. Bilateral pain was associated with differential trajectories of pain at rest and foot function over time, and a lack of improvement from 6 to 12 months follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: Different recovery trajectories are important to consider when determining timepoints for follow-up in scientific studies as well as to individualize the clinical follow-up.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03472989.
PMID:40671207 | DOI:10.1002/jfa2.70067
