Association of Isolated Gastrocnemius Tightness in Patients with Heel Pain

Abstract

Background: Heel pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint among adults, significantly impacting quality of life. Recent studies suggest a strong association between isolated gastrocnemius tightness and heel pain, although comprehensive research in diverse populations remains scarce. Understanding the relationship between gastrocnemius tightness and heel pain is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of isolated gastrocnemius tightness with heel pain in a Pakistani adult population, focusing on the prevalence of gastrocnemius tightness among individuals presenting with heel pain and the effectiveness of specific diagnostic tests in identifying this condition. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 223 participants from various hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. The study population comprised adults aged 30 to 60 years experiencing heel pain. Diagnostic assessments included the Windlass and Silfverskiöld tests to evaluate plantar fasciitis and gastrocnemius tightness, respectively. Data on age, gender, and test outcomes were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and significance testing to explore the association between heel pain and gastrocnemius tightness. Results: The average age of participants was 42.24 ± 4.973 years, with a gender distribution of 59.6% females and 40.4% males. The Windlass test was positive in 89.2% (199) of participants, while the Silfverskiöld test showed a positive outcome for gastrocnemius tightness in 79.8% (178) of cases. A significant correlation was found between the results of the Windlass and Silfverskiöld tests (Pearson correlation = .691, p < .000), indicating a strong association between isolated gastrocnemius tightness and heel pain. Conclusion: This study confirms a significant association between isolated gastrocnemius tightness and heel pain among adults in Lahore, Pakistan. The findings underscore the importance of assessing gastrocnemius tightness in patients presenting with heel pain and suggest that targeted interventions addressing this condition could enhance treatment outcomes.