[PLANTAR FASCIOPATHY - DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT]

Abstract

Plantar Fasciitis is a common reason for heel pain. The pain caused by structural changes in the plantar fascia aponeurosis insertion to the calcaneus bone. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, dorsiflexion limited range of motion, excessive running, and pes planus or pes cavus. Diagnosis is based on the patient's history and physical examination. The patient will complain of heel pain during their first steps after sleep or prolonged rest, palpation will provoke pain on the plantar medial aspect of the calcaneus. Physicians rarely use imaging to verify the diagnosis. The use of imaging may take place in cases of intractable pain regardless of conservative treatment in order to eliminate different causes for heel pain. Conservative treatment is effective for over 90% of the patients. Patients with plantar fasciitis chronic pain for over 6 mounts may consider a Pain Clinic or planter fasciotomy surgery.