The effects of hip strengthening exercises in a patient with plantar fasciitis

Rationale: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain presenting with morning stiffness and plantar area pain. This case study is to optimize the management in patient with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch foot. Patient concerns: A 55-year-old women presented with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch foot. The pain presents for the heel and pelvic areas with long-distance walking. Diagnoses: She was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch foot for physical examination and plain radiographs. In muscle performance and dynamic postural stability tests, indicated the muscle weakness and postural instability. Interventions: The patient was treated with manual therapy such as joint and soft tissue mobilization interventions including plantar fascia and gastrocnemius stretching, but the heel and pelvic pain were aggravated during long-distance walking. After hip strengthening exercises, the heel and pelvic pain significantly improved. Outcomes: The 3-month follow-up revealed that the heel and pelvic pain did not occur in the long-distance walking, and there was no pain and discomfort at one year follow-up. Lessons: To optimize the management in patient with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch deformity, clinicians should try to identify the hip abductor muscles weakness, and therapists should consider incorporating hip strengthening exercises.