Plantar fasciitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONIn this article we look at the aetiology of plantar fasciitis, the other common differentials for heel pain and the evidence available to support each of the major management options. We also review the literature and discuss the condition.METHODSA literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE®. The following keywords were used, singly or in combination: ‘plantar fasciitis’, ‘plantar heel pain’, ‘heel spur’. To maximise the search, backward chaining of reference lists from retrieved papers was also undertaken.FINDINGSPlantar fasciitis is a common and often disabling condition. Because the natural history of plantar fasciitis is not understood, it is difficult to distinguish between those patients who recover spontaneously and those who respond to formal treatment. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is effective in the small proportion of patients who do not respond to conservative measures. New techniques such as endoscopic plantar release and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may have a role but the limited availability of equipment and skills means that most patients will continue to be treated by more traditional techniques.

A study on effect of strain-counterstrain in plantar fasciitis

“…Between 4% to 7% of people have heel pain at any given time and about 80% of these cases are due to plantar fasciitis. 12,13 Approximately 10% of people have the disorder at some point during their life.…”

Evidence-based use of cold for plantar fasciitis

“…PF is a common clinical disorder usually seen in people who walk or run incorrectly or are overweight [11,12]. "Classic" PF is intense, sharp heel pain with the first couple of steps in the morning primarily at the origin of the plantar fascia where it attaches to the anterior calcaneus [13].…”

Inflashoe

“…The most common areas to experience pain are in the heel, ball and arch of the foot [2]. For example, heel spurs are bone-like calcium deposits that build up on the underside of the heel bone.…”

“…For example, heel spurs are bone-like calcium deposits that build up on the underside of the heel bone. They result in painful inflammations of the plantar fascia; a tissue that connects the heel and ball of the foot [2]. Heel spurs are caused by strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, and are therefore common amongst athletes running on hard surfaces or people with an abnormal gait [6].…”