Investigating Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 2 (11): 4 Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis and is a common cause of heel pain. The diagnosis is clinical and investigations are generally not required. However, in certain cases such as an atypical presentation or where there is no response to treatment, the clinician may consider further investigation. This review article briefly introduces the condition and goes on to discuss the possible options for investigation. This includes evaluation and usefulness of such tests as blood evaluation, radiographs, ultrasound, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. It permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ©The Foot and Ankle Online Journal (www.faoj.org) Anatomy and etiology of plantar fasciitis he plantar fascia of the foot refers to the deep fascia of the sole. It arises posteriorly from the calcaneus and divides into bands which divide to enclose tendons. The thick central part of this fascia forms the plantar aponeurosis which is arranged into bands of fibrous connective tissue. The plantar fascia has a number of roles, which include holding parts of the foot together, protecting the plantar surface of the foot from trauma and helping to support the foot's longitudinal arch. 'Plantar fasciitis' refers to inflammation of the plantar aponeurosis. This is a relatively common clinical condition and cause of heel pain resulting from a degenerative process. The exact mechanism is poorly understood but thought to be multifactorial. Mechanical overload is believed to play a key role.