Best Practice Case Studies-Plantar Fasciitis

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Plantar fasciitis, commonly referred to as plantar fasciopathy due to its non-inflammatory nature, is a prevalent foot condition causing heel pain, affecting about 10% of the population over their lifetime. It most frequently occurs in women aged 40 to 60 and is often seen in both recreational and elite runners. The condition stems from biomechanical overuse, leading to degenerative changes in the plantar fascia without inflammation. Key risk factors include limited ankle dorsiflexion, a body mass index over 27 kg/m², and prolonged time spent standing or walking.<br /><br />Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis primarily relies on clinical evaluation, focusing on symptoms such as sharp heel pain upon waking and after periods of inactivity. Imaging tools like ultrasonography and MRI can assist in diagnosing chronic pain cases resistant to therapy. Treatment initiates with nonoperative measures, including lifestyle changes, stretching, ice massage, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Stretching exercises specific to the plantar fascia have been proven beneficial over traditional Achilles tendon stretches.<br /><br />Foot orthoses may provide short-term pain mitigation, although their long-term benefits are limited. Other modalities like night splints, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and various injection therapies (corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, botulinum toxin) offer variable efficacy, often dependent on individual patient response and clinical circumstances. Surgical intervention is reserved for persistent cases after exhausting conservative measures, with endoscopic fasciotomy being the preferred approach due to its quick recovery time.<br /><br />Overall, while plantar fasciitis poses a common and challenging issue, it generally improves within a year for most patients through appropriate management strategies. This condition highlights the importance of tailored treatment approaches based on individual symptoms and lifestyle requirements to optimize outcomes.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 17

Topic Foot

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 17

3rd Edition

Foot

plantar fasciitis

heel pain

biomechanical overuse

nonoperative treatment

stretching exercises

foot orthoses

shock wave therapy

endoscopic fasciotomy

diagnosis

risk factors