Foot Disorders - Plantar Fasciitis

Question 1

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Question 2

What is the Plantar Fascia?

Answer 2

Thick connective tissue that attaches to the calcaneus at the heel, travels along the sole of the foot and branches out to connect to the flexor tendons of the toes.

Question 3

Clinical Presentation of Plantar Fasciitis (3).

Answer 3

1. Gradual Onset of Pain on Plantar Heel.
2. Worse with Pressure e.g. Standing, Walking.
3. Tenderness to Palpation.

Question 4

Management of Plantar Fasciitis (5).

Answer 4

1. Rest.
2. Ice.
3. Physiotherapy.
4. Analgesia e.g. NSAIDs.
5. Steroid Injections.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of Steroid Injections? (3)

Answer 5

1. Painful.
2. Rare Complication : Rupture of Plantar Fascia.
3. Rare Complication : Fat Pad Atrophy.

Question 6

Specialist Management of Plantar Fasciitis (2).

Answer 6

1. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy.

2. Surgery.