Topographical Pressure Pain Sensitivity Maps of the Feet Reveal Bilateral Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Unilateral Plantar Heel Pain

Plantar heel pain is one of the most common foot pain conditions treated by health care providers. To investigate differences in topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps of the feet between patients with unilateral plantar heel pain and healthy individuals, and to determine the relationship between topographical pressure maps, pain intensity, disability, and fascia thickness. Thirty-five patients with unilateral plantar heel pain and 35 matched healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional, case-control study. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed over 7 plantar locations on each foot. Topographical pressure pain sensitivity maps of the plantar region were generated using the averaged PPT of each assessed point. Pain and related disability were assessed with a numeric pain-rating scale (0-10) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, respectively. Plantar fascia thickness was measured via ultrasound. All outcomes were obtained by an assessor blinded to the participants' condition. Topographical pressure sensitivity maps revealed lower bilateral PPTs in patients with plantar heel pain compared to healthy controls, and a higher PPT on the calcaneus bone (