Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025
02:15
Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
529
Plantar Fasciitis or Flexor Digitorum Brevis Myositis
John F Grady1, Darshan Nagesh2, Trevor Smolinski3
1*Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL; Foot & Ankle Institute, Oak Lawn, IL; Foot & Ankle Institute for Research, Oak Lawn, IL.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|July 19, 2023
Summary
This study suggests intrinsic myositis, or muscle inflammation, may cause or contribute to plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Further research could change future treatment approaches for this common condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Plantar fasciitis and plantar heel pain are common but their exact causes remain unclear.
- Current treatments for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis show high variability in outcomes.
- The role of intrinsic foot musculature in plantar heel pain has been under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze biopsy results in patients diagnosed with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
- To determine if intrinsic myositis contributes to chronic symptoms or treatment failure in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of biopsy results from five patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
- Histopathological examination of fascia and intrinsic foot muscle tissue.
Main Results:
- Three of five pathology reports indicated inflammation, degeneration, and atrophy of intrinsic musculature (myositis).
- Two cases showed lymphocytic infiltration in muscles, suggesting inflammation, with no fascial inflammation.
- One case demonstrated fascial inflammation without muscle inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic myositis may be a contributing or primary cause in some cases of plantar heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
- This finding could necessitate a shift in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to plantar heel pain.
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