Is There a Relationship Between Activity Limitation in ADLs and Quality of Life of Adults with Plantar Fasciitis?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is defined as inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis at its insertion on the medial calcaneal tubercle. It is common foot disorder, secondary to an inflammatory response caused by repetitive micro-trauma. This is prevalent in both sports’ active persons and sedentary population. Complaints are pain occurring in the heel region during the first steps taken after sleep or after a long period of inactivity, that decreases as the movement progresses. PF has a negative impact on various aspects of the individual's ADL, as well as on sports and leisure time (especially active recreational activities) activities. There are very few studies that examines relationship between Activity limitations and quality of life in individuals with PF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Correlational Study with Purposive sampling was done. Total 60 - Both males and females having Pain with local compression on the medial calcaneal tubercle were taken. They had Plantar heel pain longer than 2 weeks (especially in the first few steps in the morning). Any surgery, pregnant females, calcaneus fractures, sprain, Neuropathy patients were excluded. Impact of PF on Body functions was measured by Foot Function Index (FFI) scale. Quality of life was measured by WHO-QOL BREF scale. After the end of study, scores of both the scales were correlated. RESULTS: Result showed moderate negative correlation between FFI and QOL Score. (r = -0.616, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Difficulty in ADL in turn affects QOL of patients with plantar fasciitis. Key words: Plantar fasciitis, Quality of life, Activities of daily living