In the Windlass test interpretation, which finding indicates plantar fascia pathology?

In the Windlass test interpretation, which finding indicates plantar fascia pathology?

• A. Medial heel pain indicates plantar fascia pathology
• B. Pain at the lateral heel indicates peroneal tendon issue
• C. Arch collapse indicates bony fracture
• D. No pain indicates normal function

Answer: (A)

In the Windlass test, you dorsiflex the toes to tighten the plantar fascia and raise the arch. If this maneuver reproduces pain in the medial heel, it points to plantar fascia pathology, such as plantar fasciitis, because the stressed fascia irritates the inflamed tissue in that location. The other findings don’t fit this path: pain on the lateral heel would steer toward peroneal tendon issues; an arch collapse alone isn’t a direct sign of a fracture; and no pain would suggest normal function rather than pathology.

In the Windlass test, you dorsiflex the toes to tighten the plantar fascia and raise the arch. If this maneuver reproduces pain in the medial heel, it points to plantar fascia pathology, such as plantar fasciitis, because the stressed fascia irritates the inflamed tissue in that location. The other findings don’t fit this path: pain on the lateral heel would steer toward peroneal tendon issues; an arch collapse alone isn’t a direct sign of a fracture; and no pain would suggest normal function rather than pathology.