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Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Among Assembly Plant Workers.
Werner RA, Gell N, Hartigan A, Wiggerman N, Keyserling WM. PM R. 2010 Feb;2(2):110-116.
Quote:
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of work activity (time spent standing, walking, or sitting), floor surface characteristics, weight, body mass index, age, foot biomechanics, and other demographic and medical history factors to the prevalence of plantar fasciitis.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study design was used. SETTING: The study site was an automobile engine assembly plant. PARTICIPANTS: Full-time employees of the assembly plant who had been working at least 6 months. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: The independent variables included baseline demographics, medical history, ergonomic exposures, psychosocial factors, discomfort ratings, shoe characteristics, and foot biomechanics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The dependent variable was the finding of plantar fasciitis on physical examination.
RESULTS: The study demonstrated that forefoot pronation on physical examination, high metatarsal pressure on the gait assessment, increasing time spent standing on hard surfaces, increased time spent walking, medium tenure at the plant, and an increased number of times getting in and out of the vehicle (for the truck/forklift drivers) increased the risk of presenting with plantar fasciitis. Rotation of shoes during the work week was found to reduce the risk of presenting with plantar fasciitis. Increased supervisor support showed a trend toward reducing the prevalence of plantar fasciitis.
CONCLUSIONS: Plantar fasciitis is relatively common in the manufacturing setting. These findings suggest several options for primary and secondary prevention strategies. Shoe rotation may be an effective strategy that may be used as either a primary or secondary strategy. The use of shoe orthoses with a medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad may be used as a preventive or treatment strategy. Work stations that decrease the percentage of time walking or standing on hard surfaces (eg, allowing workers to alternate between sitting and standing postures or providing cushioning mats for concrete surfaces) may lower the risk for plantar fasciitis
Re: Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Among Assembly Plant Workers.
Anyone have the full article they could share? Wouldn't mind a closer peek at the methodology etc. Always interested in a cross-sectional design which suggests causality...
BACKGROUND: Jobs that necessitate prolonged standing and walking activities are commonly associated with worker's complaints of foot and ankle pain. The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of work activity (time spent standing, walking, or sitting), floor surface characteristics, weight, BMI, age, foot biomechanics, and other demographic and medical history factors to the prevalence of foot and ankle disorders.
METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study design was used to evaluate employees of an engine manufacturing plant. The main outcome variable was foot or ankle disorders defined by pain and a positive physical examination. The independent variables included baseline demographics, medical history, ergonomic exposures, psychosocial factors, shoe characteristics and foot biomechanics.
RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of the cohort met the case definition of foot/ankle disorder with 10% defined as new cases. Fifty-two percent had symptoms of foot/ankle. An increased risk of presenting with foot/ankle disorders was associated with high metatarsal pressure on gait assessment, increased time spent walking, female gender, reported high job dissatisfaction, a history of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or vascular disorder. For the truck/forklift drivers, an increased number of times getting in and out of the vehicle was associated with a higher prevalence of ankle/foot problems.
CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk is associated with higher metatarsal pressure and increased time spent walking. These findings suggest several options for primary and secondary prevention strategies. The use of shoe orthoses with a medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad as well as including optional sit/stand workstations may be helpful
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Among Assembly Plant Workers.
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