Plantar fasciopathy: A current concepts review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Plantar fasciopathy is a common condition affecting 10% of the population.
• Most cases (90%) resolve within 12 months with conservative management.
• Gastrocnemius tightness is linked to ankle stiffness and plantar fascia injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current treatment options for plantar fasciopathy.
• To highlight effective conservative and surgical interventions.
• To discuss the role of gastrocnemius tightness.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of conservative and surgical treatments for plantar fasciopathy.
• Analysis of the efficacy of eccentric calf stretching.
• Evaluation of surgical techniques including plantar fasciotomy and gastrocnemius release.

Main Results:

• Eccentric calf stretching combined with fascia stretching is a primary non-operative treatment for chronic plantar fasciopathy.
• Medial open release of the plantar fascia and lateral plantar nerve was a traditional surgical approach.
• Isolated proximal medial gastrocnemius release shows excellent results for refractory cases without plantar fasciotomy complications.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment, particularly eccentric calf stretching, is effective for most plantar fasciopathy cases.
• Surgical options exist for refractory cases, with gastrocnemius release offering a promising alternative to plantar fasciotomy.