Activity related differences in the thickness of heel pad of some occupational groups in Nigeria: An imaging based study

Background: The effect of prolonged occupation-related physical activity can induce stress and strain on the plantar heel pad. These strains can lead to the thickening of the human heel pad.

Methods: The effect of occupation-related physical activity on the thickness of the Heel pad (HPT) was assessed among four classes of occupation- Labourers/farmers, Dancers, Athletes and an inactive class (control/normal group) in a southeast Nigerian population.

Results: Results show that the inactive class had the lowest values for HPT (9.061.26; 9.001.73mm for right and left sides respectively). The athletes had the highest values (15.151.51; 15.181.57mm for the right and left sides respectively). Multiple comparison shows that Labourers, Dancers and athletes had significantly higher values than the control group (P=0.000; 0.036; 0.000 respectively).

Conclusion: Our findings have conclusively established that occupation-related prolonged Physical activity induces thickening of the heel pad. Interventions should be initiated to avoid the setting in of degenerating conditions that may lead to plantar heel pain.

Physical Activity; Occupation; Heel pad thickness; Nigeria