Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: A Comprehensive Review Plantar fasciitis is a common source of heel pain that is due to degeneration of the plantar fascia insertion on the calcaneus which can be treated with multiple...
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: A Comprehensive Review Plantar fasciitis is a common source of heel pain that is due to degeneration of the plantar fascia insertion on the calcaneus which can be treated with multiple treatment modalities. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that travels from the heel to the toes. It is most commonly seen in patients between the ages 40-60 and is more common in runners.
Another risk factor includes wearing shoes without good arch support. Inflammatory cells are not commonly seen on histologic sections after the first two weeks of symptoms. Chronic plantar fascia histologic sections show degeneration of the collagen fibers and fibroblast proliferation.
Case Vignette A 45 year old runner comes to your clinic with heel pain. Radiographs show a large horizontal inferior calcaneal enthesophyte. The patient has pain to the inferior portion of the medial calcaneus.
Which of the following regarding this finding is true? A) Patients with large heel spurs typically have worse symptoms B) Absent or small heel spurs help rule out plantar fasciitis C) Having a tighter gastrocnemius muscle correlates with worse plantar fasciitis symptoms D) Injections with corticosteroids have no adverse effects and are first line treatment options for plantar fasciitis Diagnosis Plantar fasciitis is a clinical diagnosis. Heel pain that is worse with the first step in the morning is characteristic of plantar fasciitis.
Patients may also complain of pain upon resuming walking after a period of prolonged rest. Radiographs are done as well to help rule out other diagnoses like calcaneal stress fractures. Radiographs can show a plantar heel spur and the etiology of the spur is unknown.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to plantar fasciitis review, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
Connect with a doctor, physical therapist, or imaging center near you.
Find a Provider Near You โ