Heel pain: A systematic review
Edward Kwame Agyekum1, Kaiyu Ma
1Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery Department, Jiamusi Central Hospital, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154002, China.
Chinese Journal of Traumatology = Zhonghua Chuang Shang Za Zhi
|December 9, 2015
Summary
Heel pain, often called plantar fasciitis, is commonly caused by mechanical factors. Most cases resolve with conservative treatments like rest and proper footwear, with surgery reserved as a last resort.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Heel pain is a prevalent condition affecting many individuals.
- It is known by various names, including plantar fasciitis, jogger's heel, and policeman's heel.
- Mechanical factors are the primary cause of heel pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of heel pain conditions.
- To discuss the common etiologies, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for heel pain.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical examination, focusing on pain location and absence of systemic disease indicators.
- Review of common causes such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spur, Sever's Disease, Achilles Tendinopathy, and others.
- Evaluation of conservative and surgical treatment options.
Main Results:
- Conservative therapies, including rest, physical therapy, stretching, footwear modifications, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory agents, are effective for most patients.
- Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail.
Conclusions:
- Conservative, nonsurgical treatments are highly effective for the vast majority of heel pain cases.
- Proper footwear with adequate support is crucial for recovery and prevention.
- A combination of rest, ice, massage, exercise, and medical advice aids in healing.
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