Foot pain frequently occurs in individuals with LBP the occurrence of LBP has not yet been assessed in individuals with PHP. This study was to compare the LBP and PHP among individuals with PHP had a higher prevalence of LBP and higher low back disability that was correlated with reduced foot and ankle function. 

Inattention to plantar heel pain (PHP) management may be associated with uncontrollable low back pain (LBP) and low back dysfunction, although a correlation within LBP and PHP has not been verified. This study compares the LBP prevalence in persons with and without PHP and to evaluate the connection linking low back disability and foot/ankle function. 

Individuals matched to sex, BMI, age, foot mobility, and foot posture were selected and differentiated according to with and without PHP.  The PHP patients were assessed for correlations within age, low back disability using the Oswestry low back disability questionnaire (OSW), duration of PHP symptoms, foot/ankle function using the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), and body mass index (BMI).

A higher number of persons with PHP showed LBP and raised levels of low back disability. FAAM scores were associated with OSW scores among the PHP patients but not with age, BMI, or duration of PHP symptoms. 

A higher prevalence of LBP and low back disability was seen among individuals with PHP which associated with decreased foot and ankle function. Treatment to control both local and proximal impairments, involving impairments associated with LBP, may be needed to improve the management of PHP.