Relationship Between Central Sensitization and Clinical Features in Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and is traditionally considered a mechanical musculoskeletal disorder. Recent evidence suggests that central sensitization may also contribute to pain in individuals with plantar fasciitis. This study aims to investigate the relationships between neurophysiological variables (pressure pain threshold, central sensitization, and pain intensity), psychological factors (pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and depression), ultrasonographic findings (plantar fascia thickness), and functional outcomes (foot function and quality of life) in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis Group 1. Inclusion criteria * Be between the ages of 18-65 * Have unilateral heel pain that has been ongoing for at least 3 months, particularly worsening with the first few steps in the morning and increasing with weight-bearing activities throughout the day * Have tenderness on palpation of the medial calcaneal tubercle * Have read and signed the volunteer consent form (VCF) 2. Exclusion criteria * Being under 18 years old or over 65 years old * Having a history of physical therapy, injection, radiation, or surgery targeting the plantar fascia within the last 6 months * Calcaneus fracture, tumor, or cyst related to the plantar fascia * Foot deformity (club foot, pes cavus, calcaneovalgus, etc.) * Lumbosacral radiculopathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy * Rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout * Foot and ankle osteoarthritis * Presence of osteomyelitis or skin infection in the foot * Systemic diseases such as kidney and liver failure, diabetes, peripheral arterial vascular disease Healthy Control 1. Inclusion criteria * Being completely healthy * Being between the ages of 18 - 65 * Having read and signed the volunteer consent form (BGOF) 2. Exclusion criteria * Being under 18 or over 65 years old * Having any acute or chronic illness * Being illiterate and not giving consent to participate in the study