Heel pain triad (HPT): the combination of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and tarsal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Between 1996 and 1999, we evaluated 286 patients with chronic heel pain. We identified 14 patients who were diagnosed and surgically treated for a unique combination of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and tarsal tunnel syndrome. We postulate that failure of the static (plantar fascia) and dynamic (posterior tibial tendon) support of the longitudinal arch of the foot has resulted in traction injury to the posterior tibial nerve, i.e., tarsal tunnel syndrome. The combination of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and tarsal tunnel syndrome was recognized and treated. We have called this combination the "Heel Pain Triad (HPT)." Using the AOFAS hindfoot rating system, retrospective chart review and patient examination revealed marked improvement in 85.7% of patients. Follow-up was done four to 33 months (mean follow-up was 17.1 months). Marked improvement was noted in the categories of pain, activity level, walking distance, walking surface and limp. Improvement was statistically significant for all categories.