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Plantar fasciitis: evaluation and treatment
Steven K Neufeld1, Rebecca Cerrato
1Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center, Arlington, VA 22206-8316, USA.
Summary
Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, is effectively managed non-surgically in about 90% of cases. Persistent symptoms may eventually require surgical consideration after extensive non-operative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of plantar heel pain, characterized by medial calcaneal tenderness.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on thorough patient history and physical examination to differentiate from other causes of heel pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of plantar fasciitis.
- To highlight the efficacy of non-surgical interventions for plantar heel pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on plantar fasciitis diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of various non-surgical modalities including rest, NSAIDs, orthotics, and physical therapy.
- Evaluation of criteria for surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Non-surgical treatments are successful in approximately 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis.
- A wide array of conservative options exist, though outcomes are often based on anecdotal evidence or combined therapies.
Conclusions:
- Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve with non-operative management.
- Surgery is reserved for a small percentage of patients with refractory symptoms lasting 6-12 months.
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