From the Guidelines
Plantar fasciitis is not directly associated with lumbar degenerative disc disease, although altered gait patterns from back pain may indirectly contribute to its development. The primary causes of plantar fasciitis include overuse, foot mechanics, obesity, improper footwear, and tight calf muscles 1. Lumbar degenerative disc disease, on the other hand, affects the spine and can cause back pain, but it is not a direct cause of plantar fasciitis. According to the 2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS guideline, nerve root compression from lumbar disc problems can cause referred pain or altered sensation in the feet, but this would be diagnosed as radiculopathy rather than plantar fasciitis 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Plantar fasciitis is primarily caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, leading to small tears and inflammation 1.
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease can cause back pain, but it is not a direct cause of plantar fasciitis 1.
- Altered walking patterns due to back pain from disc disease might indirectly contribute to plantar fasciitis by changing how weight is distributed across the feet.
- Treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on reducing inflammation and strain on the plantar fascia through rest, stretching exercises, supportive footwear, and sometimes physical therapy, regardless of whether back problems are present.
Differential Diagnosis
The guideline highlights several alternative diagnoses for leg pain or claudication not related to peripheral artery disease, including hip arthritis, foot/ankle arthritis, nerve root compression, spinal stenosis, symptomatic popliteal cyst, venous claudication, and chronic compartment syndrome 1. However, plantar fasciitis is not directly mentioned as a condition related to lumbar degenerative disc disease. The most important factor in diagnosing plantar fasciitis is a thorough clinical history assessment and physical examination, rather than its potential relationship with lumbar degenerative disc disease 1.
From the Research
Association between Plantar Fasciitis and Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest an association between plantar fasciitis and lumbar degenerative disc disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of plantar fasciitis, without mentioning its relationship to lumbar degenerative disc disease.
- Plantar fasciitis is described as a common musculoskeletal disease characterized by chronic degenerative processes, rather than inflammation, and is linked to mechanical factors, rheumatologic diseases, and genetic factors 3.
- Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include physical therapy, modalities, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, injections, and surgery, with corticosteroid injections combined with controlled training recommended as a first-line treatment 4.
- However, none of the studies explore the potential connection between plantar fasciitis and lumbar degenerative disc disease, suggesting that further research is needed to investigate this potential association.