Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue running along the sole of the foot to support the arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber. With excessive load on the foot - small tears can develop in this tissue and the body struggles to heal these completely. Leading to inflammation and pain.

Plantar fasciitis occurs in 10% of the population and both feet in 30% of patients. An Ultrasound or MRI can sometimes be used to confirm diagnosis.

Figure 1: typical location of pain in plantar fasciits

Treatment options:

Non operative treatment – 80-85% of patients will get better with a combination of the following

  • Physiotherapy including massage and stretching

  • Soft orthotics with a cushioned heel

  • Modification of activity

  • Oral anti-inflammatory medications

  • Shockwave therapy – performed by sports medicine doctor or qualified podiatrist

 

Injections

  • Steroid injections done under ultrasound by a radiologist

  • Platelet rich plasma injections

Operative treatment

  • Surgical treatment is indicated when other non surgical treatment has failed and symptoms persist for greater than 9-12 months.

  • This only occurs in an unlucky 10-15% of patients

Surgeries performed for lesser toe deformity include: