Frequency of Trigger Points in Lower Extremity Muscles Among Runners with Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Plantar fasciitis is a condition used to describe heel pain brought on by excessive stress on the plantar aspect of the foot. Trigger points are extremely sensitive spots found in tense muscular bands. These induce motor dysfunction such as stiffness, decrease range of motion, and related fatigue ability within the affected muscle.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the frequency of trigger points in lower extremity muscles among runners with plantar fasciitis.

METHODOLOGY:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in six sports clubs of Lahore, Pakistan. The study extended from June 2021 to December 2021 for a total of six months. Data was gathered from n=196 people who met the inclusion criteria. Non-probability convenient sampling techniques were used. Ischemic compression test was used to examine trigger points. Eight muscles in total, on the affected and unaffected sides, had been examined. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics which include the frequency of trigger points and demographic of the participant was collected.

RESULTS:
Mean age of individuals was 22.56±3.42 and BMI of participants was 21.50 ± 2.16 kg/m². The medial gastrocnemius had a higher prevalence of trigger points, according to the results i.e (54.08%) while the trigger points were least found in the biceps femoris (8.67%).

CONCLUSION:
It was found that runners with plantar fasciitis have a greater frequency of trigger points in their medical gastrocnemius and tibialis posterior muscles. It recommends that evidence-based physical health promotion for athletes is required to address this developing problem.

KEYWORDS:
Athletes, chronic, heel pain, musculoskeletal abnormalities, plantar fasciitis, Trigger points