Anthropometric and biomechanical risk factors in the development of plantar heel pain—a review of the literature

Abstract

Plantar heel pain development reflects an interaction among multiple extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors include biomechanical factors such as limb length discrepancy, increased eversion at the subtalar joint, range of motion at the ankle joint, arch height, foot type and heel pad thickness. Extrinsic risk factors such as footwear have been identified as influencing the incidence of plantar heel pain. The type of design may also have an impact on risk factor identification and on the strength and validity of a study. With the current emphasis on injury prevention, a study designed to identify and quantify risk factors is needed to provide valuable data in diagnosing, assessing and planning treatment for athletes.

Keywords:

• INJURY PREVENTION
• PLANTAR HEEL PAIN
• RISK FACTORS
• SPORT INJURY