Passive metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion stiffness is correlated to the plantar fasciitis

Plantar fascia is related to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) by the windlass mechanism, but the correlation between joint stiffness and diagnosis of plantar fasciitis has not been researched. In this study, passive MTPJ dorsiflexion stiffness was measured in healthy subjects and patients with plantar fasciitis using a robotic device. MTPJ stiffness was higher in the patient group except for the stiffness in early stage of dorsiflexion. The result was interpreted that an inflammation of plantar fascia affects the passive dorsiflexion stiffness of metatarsophalangeal joint.