Iliotibial Band Trigger Points and Plantar Heel Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background. Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a degenerative plantar fascia syndrome that causes irritation under the heel and a functional deformity during weight bearing. Myofascial involvement, along with biomechanical changes due to tight fibrous connections, seems to contribute to this condition. As there is a fascial connection between plantar fascia, and iliotibial band, trigger points in the myofascial chain including iliotibial band can interfere with biomechanical modifications and aberrant lower limb functioning. The study aimed at establishing the associating iliotibial band (ITB) trigger points in plantar heel pain patients. Methods. The study included 30 individuals with plantar heel pain of both genders. They were assessed by foot posture index (FPI) for the foot type and manually palpated for trigger points along the Iliotibial band on both the affected and unaffected side. Results. The results revealed 73% prevalence of iliotibial band trigger points in plantar heel pain patients. And there was a significant association was found between trigger points and plantar heel pain (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The current investigation found an association between the existence of iliotibial band trigger points and plantar heel pain. So, addressing the iliotibial band trigger points may help in reducing pain and discomfort in plantar heel pain individuals.