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Evidence-based soft tissue rheumatology. V: plantar talalgia
Jose Alvarez-Nemegyei1, Juan J Canoso
1Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Ignacio García Téllez, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mérida, Yucatán, México. nemegyei@hotmail.com
Summary
Plantar talalgia (PT) stems from issues at the plantar fascia insertion. While local glucocorticoids offer short-term relief, effective long-term treatments and risk factors for non-athletes require further research.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Plantar talalgia (PT) is commonly caused by noninflammatory derangement at the plantar fascia's proximal insertion.
- Risk factors in athletes involve biomechanical abnormalities, but remain unclear for non-athletes.
- Clinical diagnosis relies on pain and tenderness; ultrasonography aids in uncertain cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of plantar talalgia.
- To identify knowledge gaps in understanding and managing this condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on plantar talalgia.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods and therapeutic interventions.
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy based on controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Local glucocorticoid injections/iontophoresis show short-term efficacy.
- Efficacy of ankle dorsiflexion splints and extracorporeal shockwave therapy is debated.
- Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding PT etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Current understanding of plantar talalgia etiology and non-athlete risk factors is limited.
- While some treatments offer short-term benefits, long-term efficacy and optimal management strategies require further investigation.
- Further research is crucial to address the existing knowledge gaps in plantar talalgia.
