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Background: Ankle joint position sense (AJPS) accuracy and postural control are crucial for maintaining balance and stability, particularly in individuals with plantar fasciitis who may experience proprioceptive and functional impairments. Understanding how psychosocial factors, such as pain catastrophizing, and biomechanical measures, like muscle strength and gait parameters related to proprioception and postural control, can inform more effective treatment approaches. This study aimed to (1) examine the relationship between AJPS accuracy and biomechanical factors—including postural stability, lower limb muscle strength, and gait parameters—in individuals with plantar fasciitis d (2) analyze the impact of psychosocial factors, including pain catastrophizing, physical activity level, and quality of life, on AJPS accuracy and postural control in this population. Methods: A total of 126 participants (63 with plantar fasciitis and 63 controls) were recruited. AJPS was assessed using a digital inclinometer across four movement directions (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, eversion). Postural stability metrics (antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway) were measured using computerized posturography, while muscle strength in plantar flexors, dorsiflexors, inverters, and evertors was assessed with a hand-held dynamometer. Gait parameters (step length, cadence, stance time) were captured via 3D motion capture. Pain catastrophizing, physical activity, and quality of life were evaluated using validated questionnaires (PCS, IPAQ, FHSQ). Results: Significant differences were observed in AJPS accuracy between groups, with plantar fasciitis patients showing higher AJPS error in plantarflexion (mean difference = 1.22°, p < 0.001) and dorsiflexion (mean difference = 1.31°, p < 0.001). Pain catastrophizing was a significant predictor of AJPS in plantarflexion (β = -0.05, p = 0.001). Postural stability was negatively correlated with AJPS accuracy, particularly in mediolateral sway (r = -0.32, p = 0.037), while physical activity and quality of life had minimal effects. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of pain catastrophizing on proprioceptive deficits in plantar fasciitis, emphasizing the importance of addressing psychological as well as biomechanical factors in treatment. Integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies may enhance proprioceptive accuracy and stability outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) on pain and functional outcomes in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, web of science, physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of dry needling on plantar fasciitis. Article screening, data extraction and risk-of-bias evaluation were independently performed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted based on different control methods and assessment time using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 12 RCTs involving 781 patients were included in the systemic review and meta-analysis. The comparison of DN + routine treatments vs. routine treatments alone demonstrated that PF patients receiving DN have significantly lower scores in Visual Analog Scale / Numerical Pain Rating Scale (VAS/NPRS) [95%CI (−2.12, −1.76), p < 0.0001], and the scores of Foot Function Index (FFI) [95%CI (−12.57, −3.58), p = 0.004]. In the comparison of DN vs. other treatments, results showed that DN significantly lowered the scores of FFI [95%CI (−6.55, −1.09), p = 0.006]. However, there was no significant difference in pain improvement between DN and other treatments [95%CI (−0.66, 0.06), p = 0.10]. In the meta-analysis based on different assessment time, results showed that there was significant difference in the scores of VAS/NPRS within 1 month, at 1 month and at over 1 month. But there was no significant difference in the scores of FFI within 1 month, while at 1 month and at over 1 month, the scores of FFI were lowered in patients receiving DN, and the difference were statistically significant. Conclusion: Dry needling is effective in relieving pain and restoring function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, dry needling may take at least 1 month to take effects in patients with plantar fasciitis. More multi-center RCTs with high-quality, large sample size are needed to further conform our conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]