College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

If a patient has plantar fasciitis, where would they typically experience pain?

1. Pain on the plantar surface of calcaneus

2. Pain on the dorsum of the calcaneus

3. Increased pain with non-weight bearing positions

4. Decreased pain with initiation of active dorsiflexion

The correct answer is: Pain on the plantar surface of calcaneus

In cases of plantar fasciitis, patients commonly experience pain on the plantar surface of the calcaneus, which is the heel bone. This condition typically arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch. The pain is often localized at the heel and can be particularly pronounced with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, when the fascia is most tight or inflamed. This choice aligns with the classic presentation of plantar fasciitis. When reviewing other scenarios, while options suggesting pain on the dorsum of the calcaneus or increased pain in non-weight bearing positions may indicate different conditions affecting the foot, they do not reflect the hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, decreased pain with active dorsiflexion is not characteristic of plantar fasciitis, as movements that stretch the plantar fascia usually aggravate the condition. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective diagnosis and management of foot pain.