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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Plantar Fasciitis

Mild
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Reactive Arthritis

Moderate
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain around the heel and bottom of the foot. It involves irritation or degeneration of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that connects the heel bone with the toes and supports the arch of the foot. Pain is often most noticeable with the first steps after waking or resting.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that develops after an infection elsewhere in the body, most often involving the digestive or urinary or genital tract. It can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and may sometimes affect the eyes or urinary system. Symptoms may begin after the original infection has improved.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Foot Pain Heel Pain
Only in Right Disease
Back Pain Bone Pain Fever

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Obesity Sedentary Lifestyle
Only in Right Disease
Infection

Diagnosis

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed from the pattern of foot pain and a physical examination. The healthcare professional may examine the heel and plantar fascia and assess foot movement, walking pattern, and calf flexibility. Imaging is not usually required for typical cases but may be used when symptoms are persistent, severe, or suggest another cause of heel pain.
Reactive Arthritis
Diagnosis of reactive arthritis is based on the pattern of joint symptoms, physical examination, and evidence of a recent infection. Blood tests may help assess inflammation or identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Testing for infections may be performed when appropriate, and imaging or examination of affected joints can provide additional information.

Prevention

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis risk may be reduced by maintaining a healthy body weight, wearing supportive footwear, avoiding sudden increases in exercise, and gradually building activity levels. Regular stretching of the calf and plantar fascia may be useful for people at risk. Replacing worn-out athletic shoes and modifying activities that repeatedly cause heel pain can also reduce strain.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis cannot always be prevented, but reducing infections that can trigger it may lower risk. Practicing safer sex, including appropriate barrier protection, can help reduce sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. Good food safety and hand hygiene can reduce gastrointestinal infections. Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment of suspected infections may also reduce complications.

Risk Factors

Plantar Fasciitis
Risk factors include activities involving prolonged standing, walking, running, or other repetitive weight-bearing exercise. Flat feet, high arches, tight calf muscles, increased body weight, inappropriate footwear, and sudden increases in physical activity may increase stress on the plantar fascia. Occupations requiring long periods of standing may also contribute.
Reactive Arthritis
Risk factors for reactive arthritis include a recent gastrointestinal or urinary or genital infection and genetic susceptibility. Certain inherited immune-system characteristics may make some people more likely to develop the condition after an infection. A history of infections that can trigger reactive arthritis may therefore increase risk, although most people with these infections do not necessarily develop arthritis.

Treatment

Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Reactive Arthritis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.