Pedorthic Certification Practice Exam

In the context of plantar fasciitis, a history of increased flatfoot (also known as pes planus) is significant. Flatfoot can contribute to excessive strain on the plantar fascia due to the altered biomechanics of the foot. When the arch is flattened, the entire structure of the foot is affected during weight-bearing activities, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia area.

Individuals with flatfoot often have a more pronounced pronation during gait, resulting in changes to the alignment and load distribution across the foot. This excessive pronation can lead to overstretching of the plantar fascia, thus heightening the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Therefore, when assessing a patient with this condition, a history of increased flatfoot can provide important insight into the potential causes of their symptoms and assist in determining appropriate treatment strategies.

In terms of the other options, increased dorsiflexion of the foot, increased tibia varus, and increased hammer toe deformity do not have the same direct association with the development of plantar fasciitis as increased flatfoot does, making them less relevant in this specific context.