Skip to main content

Plantar Fascia Injuries

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Tendon and Ligament Injuries of the Foot and Ankle
  • 472 Accesses

Abstract

Despite its ubiquitous nature, plantar fasciitis remains an elusive soft tissue injury that carries a spectrum of treatment options ranging from conservative to surgical, with a myriad of minimally invasive interventions in between. A detailed physical exam, along with an understanding of when to order advanced imaging, is often helpful in obtaining the most accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment. Plantar fascia injury can be divided into both acute and chronic with evidence-based management guiding proposed treatment recommendations in each category. In this review it is the authors’ goal to review the literature and provide guidance on the most recent advancements in managing plantar fascia pathology at all stages.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Riddle DL, Schappert SM. Volume of ambulatory care visits and patterns of Care for Patients Diagnosed with plantar fasciitis: a National Study of medical doctors. Foot Ankle Int. 2004;25(5):303–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110070402500505.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Nahin RL. Prevalence and pharmaceutical treatment of plantar fasciitis in United States adults. J Pain. 2018;19(8):885–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2018.03.003.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. van Leeuwen KDB, Rogers J, Winzenberg T, et al. Higher body mass index is associated with plantar fasciopathy/‘plantar fasciitis’: systematic review and meta-analysis of various clinical and imaging risk factors. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50:972–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Riddle DL, Pulisic M, Pidcoe P, Johnson RE. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis: a matched case-control study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(5):872–7. https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200305000-00015.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Lee HS, Choi YR, Kim SW, Lee JY, Seo JH, Jeong JJ. Risk factors affecting chronic rupture of the plantar fascia. Foot Ankle Int. 2014;35(3):258–63. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100713514564.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Sarrafian SK. Anatomy of the foot and ankle. Descriptive, topographic, functional. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott; 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Zhang J, Nie D, Rocha JL, Hogan MV, Wang JH. Characterization of the structure, cells, and cellular mechanobiological response of human plantar fascia. J Tissue Eng. 2018;9:2041731418801103. https://doi.org/10.1177/2041731418801103.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Hicks JH. The mechanics of the foot, II: the plantar aponeurosis and the arch. J Anat. 1954;88:25–30.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Erdemir A, Hamel AJ, Fauth AR, Piazza SJ, Sharkey NA. Dynamic loading of the plantar aponeurosis in walking. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004;86(3):546–52. https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200403000-00013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Kitaoka HB, Luo ZP, Growney ES, Berglund LJ, An KN. Material properties of the plantar aponeurosis. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15(10):557–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079401501007.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Wearing SC, Smeathers JE, Urry SR, Hennig EM, Hills AP. The pathomechanics of plantar fasciitis. Sports Med. 2006;36(7):585–611. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200636070-00004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Lemont H, Ammirati KM, Usen N. Plantar fasciitis: a degenerative process (fasciosis) without inflammation. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2003;93(3):234–7. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-93-3-234.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Kirkpatrick J, Yassaie O, Mirjalili SA. The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations. J Anat. 2017;230(6):743–51. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.12607.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Kumai T, Benjamin M. Heel spur formation and the subcalcaneal enthesis of the plantar fascia. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(9):1957–64.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Lareau CR, Sawyer GA, Wang JH, DiGiovanni CW. Plantar and medial heel pain: diagnosis and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2014;22(6):372–80. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-22-06-372.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Levy JC, Mizel MS, Clifford PD, Temple HT. Value of radiographs in the initial evaluation of nontraumatic adult heel pain. Foot Ankle Int. 2006;27(6):427–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110070602700607.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. McMillan AM, Landorf KB, Barrett JT, Menz HB, Bird AR. Diagnostic imaging for chronic plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Res. 2009;2:32. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-2-32.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Karabay N, Toros T, Hurel C. Ultrasonographic evaluation in plantar fasciitis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2007;46(6):442–6. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2007.08.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Mahowald S, Legge BS, Grady JF. The correlation between plantar fascia thickness and symptoms of plantar fasciitis. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2011;101(5):385–9. https://doi.org/10.7547/1010385.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Hall MM, Finnoff JT, Sayeed YA, Smith J. Sonographic evaluation of the plantar heel in asymptomatic endurance runners. J Ultrasound Med. 2015;34(10):1861–71. https://doi.org/10.7863/ultra.14.12073.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Sabir N, Demirlenk S, Yagci B, Karabulut N, Cubukcu S. Clinical utility of sonography in diagnosing plantar fasciitis. J Ultrasound Med. 2005;24(8):1041–8. https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.2005.24.8.1041.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Wall JR, Harkness MA, Crawford A. Ultrasound diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle. 1993;14(8):465–70. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079301400807.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Akfirat M, Sen C, Günes T. Ultrasonographic appearance of the plantar fasciitis. Clin Imaging. 2003;27(5):353–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0899-7071(02)00591-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Debus F, Eschbach D, Ruchholtz S, Peterlein CD. Rupture of plantar fascia: current standard of therapy: a systematic literature review. Foot Ankle Surg. 2020;26(4):358–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fas.2019.05.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Acevedo J, Beskin J. Complications of plantar fascia rupture associated with corticosteroid injection. Foot Ankle Int. 1998;19:91–7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Sellman JR. Plantar fascia rupture associated with corticosteroid injection. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15:376–81.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Saxena A, Fullem B. Plantar fascia ruptures in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32(3):662–5. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546503261727.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Ahstrom JP Jr. Spontaneous rupture of the plantar fascia. Am J Sports Med. 1988;16(3):306–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354658801600319.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Sichting F, Holowka NB, Ebrecht F, Lieberman DE. Evolutionary anatomy of the plantar aponeurosis in primates, including humans. J Anat. 2020;237:85–104. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13173.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Schneider HP, Baca JM, Carpenter BB, Dayton PD, Fleischer AE, Sachs BD. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Clinical Consensus Statement: diagnosis and treatment of adult acquired infracalcaneal heel pain. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2018;57(2):370–81. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2017.10.018.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Molund M, Husebye EE, Hellesnes J, Nilsen F, Hvaal K. Proximal medial gastrocnemius recession and stretching versus stretching as treatment of chronic plantar heel pain. Foot Ankle Int. 2018;39(12):1423–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100718794659.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. DiGiovanni CW, Kuo R, Tejwani N, et al. Isolated gastrocnemius tightness. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002;84(6):962–70. https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200206000-00010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Engkananuwat P, Kanlayanaphotporn R, Purepong N. Effectiveness of the simultaneous stretching of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2018;39(1):75–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100717732762.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Bolívar YA, Munuera PV, Padillo JP. Relationship between tightness of the posterior muscles of the lower limb and plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(1):42–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100712459173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, et al. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(7):1270–7. https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200307000-00013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Digiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Malay DP, et al. Plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise improves outcomes in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. A prospective clinical trial with two-year follow-up. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(8):1775–81. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.E.01281.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Porter D, Barrill E, Oneacre K, May BD. The effects of duration and frequency of Achilles tendon stretching on dorsiflexion and outcome in painful heel syndrome: a randomized, blinded, control study. Foot Ankle Int. 2002;23(7):619–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110070202300706.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Probe RA, Baca M, Adams R, Preece C. Night splint treatment for plantar fasciitis. A prospective randomized study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1999;368:190–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Powell M, Post WR, Keener J, Wearden S. Effective treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis with dorsiflexion night splints: a crossover prospective randomized outcome study. Foot Ankle Int. 1998;19(1):10–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079801900103.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Dye RW. A strapping. 1939. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2007;97(4):282–4. https://doi.org/10.7547/0970282.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Verbruggen LA, Thompson MM, Durall CJ. The effectiveness of low-dye taping in reducing pain associated with plantar fasciitis. J Sport Rehabil. 2018;27(1):94–8. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2016-0030.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Landorf KB, Radford JA, Keenan AM, Redmond AC. Effectiveness of low-dye taping for the short-term management of plantar fasciitis. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2005;95(6):525–30. https://doi.org/10.7547/0950525.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Radford JA, Landorf KB, Buchbinder R, Cook C. Effectiveness of low-dye taping for the short-term treatment of plantar heel pain: a randomised trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2006;7:64. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-7-64.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Kogler GF, Solomonidis SE, Paul JP. Biomechanics of longitudinal arch support mechanisms in foot orthoses and their effect on plantar aponeurosis strain. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 1996;11(5):243–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/0268-0033(96)00019-8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Whittaker GA, Munteanu SE, Menz HB, Tan JM, Rabusin CL, Landorf KB. Foot orthoses for plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(5):322–8. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097355.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Gross MT, Byers JM, Krafft JL, Lackey EJ, Melton KM. The impact of custom semirigid foot orthotics on pain and disability for individuals with plantar fasciitis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2002;32(4):149–57. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2002.32.4.149.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Redmond AC, Landorf KB, Keenan AM. Contoured, prefabricated foot orthoses demonstrate comparable mechanical properties to contoured, customised foot orthoses: a plantar pressure study. J Foot Ankle Res. 2009;2:20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-2-20.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. Landorf KB, Keenan AM, Herbert RD. Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(12):1305–10. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.166.12.1305.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Donley BG, Moore T, Sferra J, Gozdanovic J, Smith R. The efficacy of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Foot Ankle Int. 2007;28(1):20–3. https://doi.org/10.3113/FAI.2007.0004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Price DB, Trudo F, Voorham J, et al. Adverse outcomes from initiation of systemic corticosteroids for asthma: long-term observational study. J Asthma Allergy. 2018;11:193–204. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S176026.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Waljee AK, Rogers MA, Lin P, et al. Short term use of oral corticosteroids and related harms among adults in the United States: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2017;357:j1415. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j1415.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  52. Ball EM, McKeeman HM, Patterson C, et al. Steroid injection for inferior heel pain: a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013;72(6):996–1002. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201508.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. McMillan Andrew M, Landorf Karl B, Gilheany Mark F, Bird Adam R, Morrow Adam D, Menz Hylton B, et al. Ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2012;344:e3260.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Crawford F, Atkins D, Young P, Edwards J. Steroid injection for heel pain: evidence of short-term effectiveness. A randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 1999;38(10):974–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/38.10.974.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Brinks A, Koes BW, Volkers AC, Verhaar JA, Bierma-Zeinstra SM. Adverse effects of extra-articular corticosteroid injections: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11:206. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-11-206.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  56. Anderson SE, Lubberts B, Strong AD, Guss D, Johnson AH, DiGiovanni CW. Adverse events and their risk factors following intra-articular corticosteroid injections of the ankle or subtalar joint. Foot Ankle Int. 2019;40(6):622–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100719835759.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Wei AS, Callaci JJ, Juknelis D, et al. The effect of corticosteroid on collagen expression in injured rotator cuff tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(6):1331–8. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.E.00806.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Haraldsson BT, Langberg H, Aagaard P, et al. Corticosteroids reduce the tensile strength of isolated collagen fascicles. Am J Sports Med. 2006;34(12):1992–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546506290402.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Johannsen FE, Herzog RB, Malmgaard-Clausen NM, Hoegberget-Kalisz M, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M. Corticosteroid injection is the best treatment in plantar fasciitis if combined with controlled training. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019;27(1):5–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-018-5234-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Tsai WC, Hsu CC, Chen CP, Chen MJ, Yu TY, Chen YJ. Plantar fasciitis treated with local steroid injection: comparison between sonographic and palpation guidance. J Clin Ultrasound. 2006;34(1):12–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcu.20177.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Wang CJ. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Surg Res. 2012;7:11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-799X-7-11.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  62. Malay DS, Pressman MM, Assili A, et al. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus placebo for the treatment of chronic proximal plantar fasciitis: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multicenter intervention trial. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2006;45(4):196–210. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2006.04.007.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Gollwitzer H, Saxena A, DiDomenico LA, et al. Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled multicenter study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2015;97(9):701–8. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.M.01331.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Gerdesmeyer L. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic painful heel syndrome: a prospective, double blind, randomized trial assessing the efficacy of a new electromagnetic shock wave device. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2007;46(5):348–57. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2007.05.011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Marx RE. Platelet-rich plasma: evidence to support its use. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004;62(4):489–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2003.12.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Wasterlain AS, Braun HJ, Harris AH, Kim HJ, Dragoo JL. The systemic effects of platelet-rich plasma injection. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(1):186–93. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546512466383.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Monto RR. Platelet-rich plasma efficacy versus corticosteroid injection treatment for chronic severe plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2014;35(4):313–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100713519778.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Martinelli N, Marinozzi A, Carnì S, Trovato U, Bianchi A, Denaro V. Platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic plantar fasciitis. Int Orthop. 2013;37(5):839–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-012-1741-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Akşahin E, Doğruyol D, Yüksel HY, et al. The comparison of the effect of corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2012;132(6):781–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-012-1488-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Jain SK, Suprashant K, Kumar S, Yadav A, Kearns SR. Comparison of plantar fasciitis injected with platelet-rich plasma vs corticosteroids. Foot Ankle Int. 2018;39(7):780–6. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100718762406.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Acosta-Olivo C, Elizondo-Rodriguez J, Lopez-Cavazos R, Vilchez-Cavazos F, Simental-Mendia M, Mendoza-Lemus O. Plantar fasciitis-a comparison of treatment with intralesional steroids versus platelet-rich plasma a randomized, blinded study. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2017;107(6):490–6. https://doi.org/10.7547/15-125.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Zelen CM, Poka A, Andrews J. Prospective, randomized, blinded, comparative study of injectable micronized dehydrated amniotic/chorionic membrane allograft for plantar fasciitis—a feasibility study. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(10):1332–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Cazzell S, Stewart J, Agnew PS, et al. Randomized controlled trial of micronized dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) injection compared to placebo for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2018;39(10):1151–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100718788549.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Hanselman AE, Tidwell JE, Santrock RD. Cryopreserved human amniotic membrane injection for plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(2):151–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100714552824.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Davies MS, Weiss GA, Saxby TS. Plantar fasciitis: how successful is surgical intervention? Foot Ankle Int. 1999;20(12):803–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079902001209.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Brown JN, Roberts S, Taylor M, Paterson RS. Plantar fascia release through a transverse plantar incision. Foot Ankle Int. 1999;20(6):364–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079902000604.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. O’Malley MJ, Page A, Cook R. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy for chronic heel pain. Foot Ankle Int. 2000;21(6):505–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110070002100610.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Fishco WD, Goecker RM, Schwartz RI. The instep plantar fasciotomy for chronic plantar fasciitis. A retrospective review. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2000;90(2):66–9. https://doi.org/10.7547/87507315-90-2-66.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Woelffer KE, Figura MA, Sandberg NS, Snyder NS. Five-year follow-up results of instep plantar fasciotomy for chronic heel pain. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2000;39(4):218–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1067-2516(00)80003-4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Boyle RA, Slater GL. Endoscopic plantar fascia release: a case series. Foot Ankle Int. 2003;24(2):176–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110070302400213.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Gibbons R, Mackie KE, Beveridge T, Hince D, Ammon P. Evaluation of long-term outcomes following plantar fasciotomy. Foot Ankle Int. 2018;39(11):1312–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100718788546.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Wheeler P, Boyd K, Shipton M. Surgery for patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: good results at short-, medium- and long-term follow-up. Orthop J Sports Med. 2014;2(3):1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  83. Sharkey NA, Ferris L, Donahue SW. Biomechanical consequences of plantar fascial release or rupture during gait: part I—disruptions in longitudinal arch conformation. Foot Ankle Int. 1998;19(12):812–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079801901204.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Sharkey NA, Donahue SW, Ferris L. Biomechanical consequences of plantar fascial release or rupture during gait. Part II: alterations in forefoot loading. Foot Ankle Int. 1999;20(2):86–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079902000204.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Thordarson DB, Kumar PJ, Hedman TP, Ebramzadeh E. Effect of partial versus complete plantar fasciotomy on the windlass mechanism. Foot Ankle Int. 1997;18(1):16–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079701800104.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Murphy GA, Pneumaticos SG, Kamaric E, Noble PC, Trevino SG, Baxter DE. Biomechanical consequences of sequential plantar fascia release. Foot Ankle Int. 1998;19(3):149–52. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079801900306.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Cheung JT, An KN, Zhang M. Consequences of partial and total plantar fascia release: a finite element study. Foot Ankle Int. 2006;27(2):125–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110070602700210.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Anderson DJ, Fallat LM, Savoy-Moore T. Computer-assisted assessment of lateral column movement following plantar fascial release: a cadaveric study. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2001;40(2):62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1067-2516(01)80047-8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Brugh AM, Fallat LM, Savoy-Moore RT. Lateral column symptomatology following plantar fascial release: a prospective study. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2002;41(6):365–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1067-2516(02)80082-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Bader L, Park K, Gu Y, O’Malley MJ. Functional outcome of endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. Foot Ankle Int. 2012;33(1):37–43. https://doi.org/10.3113/FAI.2012.0037.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Hofmeister EP, Elliott MJ, Juliano PJ. Endoscopic plantar fascia release: an anatomical study. Foot Ankle Int. 1995;16(11):719–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079501601109.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Hawkins BJ, Langermen RJ Jr, Gibbons T, Calhoun JH. An anatomic analysis of endoscopic plantar fascia release. Foot Ankle Int. 1995;16(9):552–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/107110079501600907.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Morton TN, Zimmerman JP, Lee M, Schaber JD. A review of 105 consecutive uniport endoscopic plantar fascial release procedures for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2013;52(1):48–52. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2012.10.011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Chou AC, Ng SY, Koo KO. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy improves early postoperative results: a retrospective comparison of outcomes after endoscopic versus open plantar fasciotomy. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016;55(1):9–15. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2015.02.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Malahias MA, Cantiller EB, Kadu VV, Müller S. The clinical outcome of endoscopic plantar fascia release: a current concept review. Foot Ankle Surg. 2020;26(1):19–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fas.2018.12.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Barrett SL, Day SV, Pignetti TT, Robinson LB. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy: a multi-surgeon prospective analysis of 652 cases. J Foot Ankle Surg. 1995;34(4):400–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1067-2516(09)80011-2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Abbassian A, Kohls-Gatzoulis J, Solan MC. Proximal medial gastrocnemius release in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2012;33(1):14–9. https://doi.org/10.3113/FAI.2012.0014.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Molund M, Paulsrud Ø, Ellingsen Husebye E, Nilsen F, Hvaal K. Results after gastrocnemius recession in 73 patients. Foot Ankle Surg. 2014;20(4):272–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fas.2014.07.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Firth GB, McMullan M, Chin T, et al. Lengthening of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex: an anatomical and biomechanical study in human cadavers. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95(16):1489–96. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.K.01638.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Mulhern JL, Protzman NM, Summers NJ, Brigido SA. Clinical outcomes following an open gastrocnemius recession combined with an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. Foot Ankle Spec. 2018;11(4):330–4. https://doi.org/10.1177/1938640017733097.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Monteagudo M, Maceira E, Garcia-Virto V, Canosa R. Chronic plantar fasciitis: plantar fasciotomy versus gastrocnemius recession. Int Orthop. 2013;37(9):1845–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2022-2.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  102. Weil L Jr, Glover JP, Weil LS Sr. A new minimally invasive technique for treating plantar fasciosis using bipolar radiofrequency: a prospective analysis. Foot Ankle Spec. 2008;1(1):13–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1938640007312318.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Tay KS, Ng YC, Singh IR, Chong KW. Open technique is more effective than percutaneous technique for TOPAZ radiofrequency coblation for plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;18(4):287–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fas.2012.05.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Sorensen MD, Hyer CF, Philbin TM. Percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency microdebridement for recalcitrant proximal plantar fasciosis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2011;50(2):165–70. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2010.11.002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Gunes T, Bilgic E, Erdem M, et al. Effect of radiofrequency microtenotomy on degeneration of tendons: an experimental study on rabbits. Foot Ankle Surg. 2014;20(1):61–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fas.2013.11.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Tasto JP, Cummings J, Medlock V, Hardesty R, Amiel D. Microtenotomy using a radiofrequency probe to treat lateral epicondylitis. Arthroscopy. 2005;21(7):851–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2005.03.019.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Morrison RJM, Brock TM, Reed MR, Muller SD. Radiofrequency microdebridement versus surgical decompression for Achilles tendinosis: a randomized controlled trial. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2017;56(4):708–12. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2017.01.049.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Blakey CM, O’Donnell J, Klaber I, et al. Radiofrequency microdebridement as an adjunct to arthroscopic surgical treatment for recalcitrant gluteal tendinopathy: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020;8(1):2325967119895602. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967119895602.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  109. Babcock MS, Foster L, Pasquina P, Jabbari B. Treatment of pain attributed to plantar fasciitis with botulinum toxin a: a short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2005;84(9):649–54. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.phm.0000176339.73591.d7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Ahmad J, Ahmad SH, Jones K. Treatment of plantar fasciitis with botulinum toxin. Foot Ankle Int. 2017;38(1):1–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100716666364.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Elizondo-Rodriguez J, Araujo-Lopez Y, Moreno-Gonzalez JA, Cardenas-Estrada E, Mendoza-Lemus O, Acosta-Olivo C. A comparison of botulinum toxin a and intralesional steroids for the treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized, double-blinded study. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(1):8–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100712460215.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Abbasian M, Baghbani S, Barangi S, et al. Outcomes of ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius injection with botulinum toxin for chronic plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 2020;41(1):63–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071100719875220.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Schaarup SO, Burgaard P, Johannsen FE. Surgical repair of complete plantar fascia ruptures in high-demand power athletes: an alternative treatment option. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020;59(1):195–200. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2019.07.018.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

DuBois, K., Wynes, J. (2022). Plantar Fascia Injuries. In: Cain, J.D., Hogan, M.V. (eds) Tendon and Ligament Injuries of the Foot and Ankle. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10490-9_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10490-9_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-10489-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-10490-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics