Plantar Fasciitis Research: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2010-2024

Plantar fasciitis is a common degenerative foot disease that significantly impairs quality of life. The disease is characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis, diverse intervention strategies, and heterogeneous therapeutic effects. Despite extensive research findings, the fragmented nature of these results hinders a comprehensive understanding of the field.

This study employed a bibliometric approach to analyze the literature data obtained from the Web of Science database over the past 15 years. The aim was to explore the knowledge structure, research trends, and collaborative features of this field from a quantitative perspective using bibliometric analysis.

The study revealed a fluctuating trend in publications within the field, with the United States, Harvard Medical School, and Karl B. Landorf leading the research output and collaboration. Foot and Ankle International emerged as the most prolific and frequently cited journal in this domain. The research hotspots in this field primarily focus on "plantar fasciitis," "heel pain," and "extracorporeal shock wave therapy." Meanwhile, "shear wave elastography," "plantar fascia thickness," "systematic review," and "musculoskeletal disease" represent the research trends in this field. In addition, this study identifies the literature that has had a significant impact on the field.

By organizing the entire research field of plantar fasciitis, this study provides decision support for future clinical practice and scientific research.