Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

Which injury is characterized by pain in the heel and arch of the foot?

1. Plantar fasciitis

2. Achilles tendonitis

3. Heel spur syndrome

4. Shin splints

The correct answer is: Plantar fasciitis

The correct answer is plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by pain in the heel and arch of the foot due to inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. This ligament runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. Individuals with plantar fasciitis often experience sharp, stabbing pain when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest, as the ligament tightens. In contrast, Achilles tendonitis primarily affects the back of the heel and is related to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, causing pain primarily at the tendon attachment rather than the arch. Heel spur syndrome may also cause heel pain but typically involves a bony growth on the heel and is often associated with plantar fasciitis. Shin splints, which refer to pain along the shin bone, are unrelated to heel or arch pain as they arise from muscular or tibial issues. Thus, the specific location of pain in the heel and arch makes plantar fasciitis the defining condition in this scenario.