Plantar fasciitis — DVA SoP factors

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) — Statement of Principles No. 82 of 2023

At least one of the following factors must as a minimum exist before it can be said that a reasonable hypothesis has been raised connecting plantar fasciitis or death from plantar fasciitis with the circumstances of a person's relevant service:

1. (1)
   having trauma to the plantar aspect of the affected foot within the seven days before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;
2. (2)
   having an infection involving the plantar fascia at the time of the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;
3. (3)
   running or jogging an average of at least 30 kilometres per week for at least the 2 months before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;
4. (4)
   undertaking exercise that involves repetitive weight bearing on the affected foot for: (a) a minimum intensity of 5 METS; and (b) for at least 4 hours per week; and for at least the 2 months before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;

   Note: MET is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

   Note: Exercise that involves repetitive weight bearing on the affected foot includes marching, jumping, soccer, tennis, or dancing.

5. (5)
   increasing the frequency, duration or intensity of weight bearing activity involving the affected foot: (a) by at least 100 percent; and (b) to a minimum intensity of 5 METs; and (c) for at least 2 hours per day; and within the seven days before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;

   Note: MET is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

6. (6)
   undergoing prolonged weight bearing on the affected foot while on a hard surface for at least five hours per day, on more days than not, for the 6 months before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;
7. (7)
   being overweight or obese at the time of the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;

   Note: being overweight or obese is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

8. (8)
   having a systemic arthritic disease at the time of the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;

   Note: systemic arthritic disease is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

9. (9)
   having an acquired biomechanical abnormality involving the affected foot before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;

   Note: biomechanical abnormality is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.

10. (10)
    wearing footwear with inadequate cushioning during weight bearing exercise which involves the affected foot within the seven days before the clinical onset or clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;
11. (11)
    inability to obtain appropriate clinical management for plantar fasciitis before the clinical worsening of plantar fasciitis;