Plantar Fascia Thickness Difference Between Pregnant and Nulliparous in Indonesia

Pregnancy is associated with distinct risks of fascia thickness compared to nulliparous. Therefore, this study aimed to compare plantar fascia thickness between asymptomatic pregnant women and nulliparous, evaluating the relationship with age, body mass index (BMI), arch height index (AHI), gestational age, and number of pregnancies.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023, and subjects were through a simple random sampling method. The inclusion criteria were subjects aged 18-35 years old, while those with a history of foot pain, trauma, surgery, special orthosis during pregnancy, and other complications were excluded. Fascia thickness was measured at 10 mm distal from the insertion in the calcaneus. Age, BMI, AHI, gestational age, and pregnancy history were recorded. Student's t-tests were used to compare both groups.

The average plantar fascia thickness in pregnant women was 2.67 ± 0.44 mm in both feet, while in nulliparous, it was 2.24 ± 0.41 mm and 2.26 ± 0.37 mm in the right and left foot, respectively. A significant difference was observed between the two groups based on BMI category (P < 0.05). Women who had experienced more than one pregnancy showed thicker fascia (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, BMI (B coefficient: 0.029-0.031, P < 0.05) and number of pregnancies (0.268-0.267, P < 0.05) had a significant effect on plantar fascia thickness in pregnant women, while age and BMI affected nulliparous.

Pregnant women had thicker plantar fascia compared to nulliparous. Consequently, screening and prevention in pregnant women and multiparous was necessary to prevent the occurrence of plantar fasciitis.