Modulation in the elastic properties of gastrocnemius muscle heads in individuals with plantar fasciitis and its relationship with pain

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the passive stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) in patients with and without plantar fasciitis (PF), (2) to explore the correlation between gastrocnemius stiffness and plantar fascia thickness (PFT) as well as the intensity of pain in patients with PF, (3) to detect optimal cutoff points for stiffness of the MG and LG for identifying patients with pf. forty patients (mean age = 51.1 years ± 12.9) participated in this study. The elastic properties of the MG and LG were quantified using shear wave elastography ultrasound. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured by B-mode imaging. the intensity of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale. The results showed that when the ankle was in the relaxed position, patients with PF had increased passive stiffness in the MG (P < 0.05) but not in the LG. Significant correlations were found between pain and the stiffness of the MG (middle, distal; all P-values < 0.05) and no correlation was observed between pain and pft (P = 0.416). The initial cutoff point for the stiffness of the MG was 29.08 kPa when the ankle was in the relaxed position. The findings from the present study show that an increase in muscle stiffness is not the same in the individual muscles of the gastrocnemius muscle. traditional treatment of the whole gastrocnemius muscle might not be targeted at the tight muscle.

Relationships between Plantar Pressure Distribution and Rearfoot Alignment in the Taiwanese College Athletes with Plantar Fasciopathy during Static Standing and Walking

“…Findings from the present study revealed that approximately 40% of the PF athletes were assessed to have gastrocnemius pains during the relaxed bipedal static stance. The findings seemed to correspond to the related studies which stated that patients with PF may exhibit greater stiffness on the medial gastrocnemius when their ankles are in a relaxed position, rather than in a neutral position [ 50 ]. Supporting the studies by Tahririan et al [ 49 ], many studies went further, asserting that relieving the gastrocnemius stiffness can also simultaneously alleviate the symptoms of PF.…”

“…It has been widely accepted that there is a strong link between the gastrocnemius and the plantar fascia [ 50 ]. Previous studies showed that the overstretching of Achilles tendon may be attributable to a strong and long-lasting contraction of the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles, and that this was a reasonable mechanical factor for the excessive weight-bearing of the plantar fascia [ 50 ]. Intense strain of the plantar fascia is usually accompanied by an increase in calf muscle tension [ 43 ].…”

“…Intense strain of the plantar fascia is usually accompanied by an increase in calf muscle tension [ 43 ]. Thus, excessive stretching force produced by the gastrocnemius may alter the normal kinematics of ankle motion, and this, in turn, could lead to PF [ 50 ]. Findings from the present study revealed that approximately 40% of the PF athletes were assessed to have gastrocnemius pains during the relaxed bipedal static stance.…”

Scoping review and interpretation of Myofascial Pain/Fibromyalgia syndrome: an attempt to assemble a medical puzzle

“…Some studies indicate that a tensegrity model might not be a true representation of the whole fasciomusculoskeletal system, and some evidence supports tensional propagation only to certain areas. 41…”

Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography for the Assessment of Gastrocnemius Fascia Elasticity in Healthy Individual

“…Dynamic monitoring the mechanincal properties of fascia is contributed to understanding more information about diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and treatment response [14]. Ultrasonic shear wave elastography (USWE) is an quantitative and effective technique to evaluate the elastic properties of soft tissues, such as muscle, tendon, and fascia [15][16][17][18]19]. USWE can be used to estimate the elastic properties of a local target area through shear wave speed, insight will be gained into how the body responds to various forces and the effects of treatments.…”