Question

Stephanie is a runner who has recently started preparation for the upcoming cross country season and from previous evaluation you have observed that Stephanie has a pos caves foot posture. Stephanie comes into the clinic complaining of heel pain on the plantar aspect of her foot. During her history and your evaluation you note the following:

Pain level is about 8/10.
Pain with weightbearing during the stance phase of gait BUT she says she has pain specifically during the first steps out of bed
She is TTP on the calcaneal tubercle
+ The Windlass
- supple pes planus test
What do you suspect this athlete has?

Answer 1

The athlete is likely experiencing plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament causing heel pain. Treatment involves rest, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the provided information, the athlete is likely experiencing a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common injury that causes heel pain, especially during the first steps out of bed in the morning.

The positive findings in the evaluation, such as tenderness on the calcaneal tubercle and the Windlass test, further support this suspicion. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes.

This condition is often associated with overuse, high-impact activities like running, and certain foot postures such as pes planus (flat feet). Treatment typically involves rest, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and sometimes physical therapy.