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Plantar fascia rupture associated with corticosteroid injection
1University of California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Foot & Ankle International
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Corticosteroid injections for plantar fasciitis may lead to plantar fascia rupture, causing new foot pain and arch flattening. Treatment involves supportive measures, with most patients recovering within 6-12 months.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Podiatry
Background:
- Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain.
- Corticosteroid injections are a frequent treatment for plantar fasciitis.
- Potential complications of corticosteroid injections are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of plantar fascia rupture following corticosteroid injection.
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of plantar fascia rupture.
- To identify risk factors for plantar fascia rupture.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 37 patients with presumptive plantar fascia rupture.
- Review of patient history, symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging.
- Analysis of treatment and outcomes.
Main Results:
- All patients had prior plantar fasciitis treated with corticosteroid injections.
- Symptoms included sudden tearing or gradual onset of new foot pain, weakness, and swelling.
- Physical examination revealed diminished plantar fascia tension and flattened arches; MRI showed fascia attenuation.
- Most patients improved with conservative treatment (supportive shoes, orthoses) over 6-12 months.
Conclusions:
- Corticosteroid injections may predispose patients to plantar fascia rupture.
- Plantar fascia rupture presents with distinct clinical findings and can lead to chronic foot problems.
- Conservative management is effective for most cases of plantar fascia rupture.