A Review of Current Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Abstract
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Usually, diagnosis can be made entirely based on history and physical examination. For the vast majority of patients, symptom resolution can be expected within 10 months of symptom onset. For some, however, the symptoms can be debilitating and long-lasting. The goals of treatment are to decrease pain, increase function, and shorten the duration of symptoms. Nonoperative treatments include plantar-fascia-specific stretching (PFSS), night splints, orthotics, casting, steroid injections, anti-inflammatorymedications, extracorporeal shock-wave therapy, and surgery. This article reviews the available literature—with particular emphasis on levels of evidence—and outlines the authors’ own preferred strategies for managing patients with this condition.

Keywords
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain

Disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Received: January 21, 2010 Accepted: February 26, 2010 Citation: US Musculoskeletal Review, 2010;5:70–74
Correspondence: Andrew M Moore, MD, Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 665, Rochester, NY 14642. E: AndrewM_Moore@urmc.rochester.edu