Advice on Foot Care

Obesity and pronated foot type may increase the risk of chronic plantar heel pain: a matched case-control study.

A new study reveals a link between chronic heel pain, pronated feet and obesity. The study included 80 individuals with chronic heel pain and 80 individuals without chronic heel pain. Body Mass Index (BMI), foot posture (foot position while standing), ankle range of motion, lower limb stress and calf endurance were measured in both groups. Questions on the type of activities and time spent were asked.

Results: The chronic heel pain group had a significantly greater body mass index (BMI), a more pronated foot position and greater ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (movement of the foot up, in relationship to the leg). There was no difference between the groups in the measurements of calf endurance or on reported time spent sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, squatting, climbing or lifting.

Summary: Obesity and pronation are associated with chronic heel pain and this study reinforces the idea that they may be risk factors in development of chronic heel pain. This study does not show an association between the limitation of ankle joint dorsiflexion and chronic heel pain.

Irving DB, Cook JL, Young MA, Menz HB. Obesity and pronated foot type may increase the risk of chronic plantar heel pain: a matched case-control study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 May 17;8(1):41

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