Análisis de la pisada mediante el examen físico y la podoscopia para evaluar la fascitis plantar en militares

Abstract

Plantar fasciitis is a common inflammatory and degenerative pathology in military personnel, associated with prolonged standing, long marches, and carrying heavy loads. It represents a significant cause of decreased physical performance and quality of life. Early diagnosis can reduce the functional impact and costs associated with its treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the type of gait and its relationship with podoscopy and physical examination of the foot in military personnel with plantar fasciitis. This study conducted a correlational study of 40 military personnel with foot pain treated at the Agrucomge Type "B" Health Center at the Rumiñahui Military Fort in Quito, Pichincha province, from June to August 2024. These patients were selected using non-probability convenience sampling and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. A gait type assessment was performed to categorize military personnel based on the Helbing Line and compare it with the foot type presented by military personnel based on the physical examination with the height of the scaphoid bone and the plantar arch index (PAI). The results revealed a high frequency of flat feet and pronated gait in military personnel, followed by normal feet with pronated gait, with no association between gait type and foot type in plantar fasciitis (p=>0.05). The conclusion is that plantar fasciitis is a multifactorial pathology. The physical examination could be complemented with podoscopy to detect structural and biomechanical foot abnormalities that would aid clinical evaluation, especially in military personnel.