UNASSIGNED: Plantar fasciitis is a major cause of heel pain, resulting from repetitive trauma to the plantar fascia and leading to structural changes within the fascia. It has been observed that plantar fascia thickness in plantar fasciitis patients exceeds that of normal individuals. However, the biomechanical properties of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare plantar fascia stiffness between healthy individuals and patients with plantar fasciitis across different areas.
UNASSIGNED: Fifty-eight participants were divided into 2 groups: 29 healthy individuals and 29 individuals with plantar fasciitis. B-mode ultrasonography was used to assess plantar fascia thickness, whereas shear wave elastography was employed to measure plantar fascia stiffness. The study focused on 3 distinct areas: calcaneal insertion, 1-cm distal area, and 2-cm distal area. Additionally, the most painful area reported by patients was marked in the plantar fasciitis group.
UNASSIGNED: The findings showed that the plantar fasciitis group exhibited significantly greater plantar fascia stiffness in almost all areas compared to the healthy group (P < .05). Moreover, the stiffness of the plantar fascia in the most painful area demonstrated the highest value compared with other areas within the plantar fasciitis group (P < .05).
UNASSIGNED: This study suggests structural and mechanical changes in the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis.

[Purpose] This study aimed to measure the analgesic effects and efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy, for which no consensus has been reached regarding optimal treatment parameters. [Participants and Methods] The study included 40 feet of 40 patients with plantar fasciitis. The visual analogue scale was used to determine the immediate and cumulative effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy as well as the efficacy rate. Efficacy was calculated as a percentage visual analogue scale change of ≥20 mm and visual analogue scale improvement of ≥60%. [Results] Immediate and continued efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy was observed and recorded. Efficacy rates based on a percentage visual analogue scale change of ≥20 mm and visual analogue scale improvement of ≥60% were both 57.5%. [Conclusion] Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy has immediate and cumulative analgesic effects on plantar fasciitis. However, cumulative results of interventions with various treatment parameters are required to determine the optimal treatment parameter settings for diffuse pressure wave therapy for plantar fasciitis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of radial and focus ESWT treatment on pain, function and size of the calcaneal spur in patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. A total of 112 patients aged between 18 and 95 years, were divided into two groups; group 1, rESWT (2.4 bar 12 hz 2000 beats), group 2 received fESWT (0.14 bar 14 hz 1000 beats) three times a week for three weeks. All patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-pain and Foot Function Index (FFI) before and after the treatment, at 4 week and 12 weeks. Calcaneal spur size was measured radiographically in the patients before and after the treatment at the 12 th week follow-up. According to our records, VAS scores were found to be similar between the groups before treatment and at follow-ups (all p>0.05). In both groups, a significant decrease in VAS scores was found in the follow-ups compared to before treatment (p<0.001). FFI total, pain, activity and disability scores were found to be similar between the groups before treatment and at follow-up (all p>0.05). In both groups, a significant decrease in FFI scores was found in the follow-ups compared to before treatment (p<0.001). Both of rESWT and fESWT were effective in plantar fasciitis treatment there were no significiant difference between two modalities in long term. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: III.

Background/Objectives: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common condition that causes heel pain. While various conservative treatment modalities for PF exist, no previous studies have investigated the effectiveness of shoe rotation (ShR) in patients with PF pain. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of ShR with that of two conventional treatments for PF-namely, foot orthosis (FO) and physical therapy (PT). Methods: Charts of 42 patients with heel pain were retrospectively reviewed. Participants were allocated to one of three treatment groups: the ShR group, the customized FO group, and the PT group. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Digital Pain Scale (DPS), Foot Function Index (FFI), Foot Pain and Function Scale (FPFS), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AHS) at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results: The ShR, FO, and PT groups all showed improvements, with statistically significant decreases in VAS, DPS, and FFI scores and significant increases in FPFS and AOFAS-AHS scores over time (p < 0.05). All three interventions resulted in significant improvements from baseline to 4 weeks and further to 12 weeks (p < 0.05). The ShR group exhibited a slightly larger effect on all measurements than the other groups. Conclusions: ShR, FO, and PT contributed to pain reduction and functional improvement, and alternating the shoes alleviated PF pain. These results suggest a new approach to managing PF and serve as a basis for providing convenient treatment for patients with PF.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain; in 35% of cases, it is also associated with bone edema of the heel. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bone edema and the outcomes of temperature-controlled high-energy adjustable multi-mode emission laser (THEAL) and/or exercises in patients with plantar fasciitis. A prospective randomized clinical trial was designed, in which 48 patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, with or without bone edema, were treated with temperature-controlled high-energy adjustable multi-mode emission laser and exercises (the laser group) or with exercises only (the control group). The patients were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and at 2 (T1) and 6 months (T2), monitoring pain (with the Visual Analogue Scale), functionality (with the Foot Function Index), perception of improvement (with the Roles and Maudsley Score), and fascia thickness (with ultrasound examination). In both groups, there was a significant improvement in pain, functional recovery, perception of remission, and a reduction in plantar fascia thickness at T1 and T2. The laser group presented statistically better values at T2 for the Roles and Maudsley Score (z: 2.21; 0.027). The regression analysis showed that a greater reduction in fascia thickness occurred in the laser group (p-value: 0.047). In conclusion, the two conservative treatments were effective in patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, even in the presence of bone edema, but with lesser results.

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Background Recent studies have highlighted the role of the central nervous system in modulating pain perception and the movement patterns associated with plantar fasciitis. Neurological changes, such as altered sensorimotor control and cortical reorganization, may contribute to the persistence of symptoms and the recurrence of the condition. Integrating neurorehabilitation techniques may enhance outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence. Physiotherapy exercises such as ankle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, foot doming exercises, balance exercises, towel curl exercises, and stretching exercises were given to check the impact of physiotherapy interventions on ankle muscle instability and dynamic balance following plantar fasciitis. Method An experimental investigation was carried out at the outpatient department of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital. A total of 71 participants were assigned arbitrarily, employing a straightforward random sampling procedure. Each participant received treatment for six weeks, with five weekly sessions. Result The results demonstrated significant findings. The pre- and post-test score results are as follows: visual analogue scale scores (t=1.619, p=0.0001), weight-bearing lunge test scores (t=24.36, p=0.0001*), and functional reach test scores (t=24.36, p=0.0001). Conclusion We conclude that physiotherapy exercises such as ankle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), foot doming exercises, strengthening exercises, toe spreading exercises, towel curl exercises, and stretching exercises are effective in reducing pain and ascertaining dynamic balance in plantar fasciitis. The rehabilitation program significantly improved ankle biomechanical integrity and muscle strength, allowed functional recovery, and reduced pain. Future studies should focus on investigating the long-term effects of PNF therapies. For better patient outcomes, clinicians should consider incorporating ankle PNF exercises into their therapy regimens.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of custom-made insoles adapted to flip-flops on pain intensity, foot function, and functional walking ability in individuals with persistent plantar heel pain in the short and medium term.
METHODS: Randomised controlled trial.
METHODS: Flip-flop sandals in patients with persistent plantar heel pain.
METHODS: Participants (n = 80) were assessed at baseline, six and 12 weeks after the intervention, and 4 weeks post-intervention.
RESULTS: For the primary outcomes, after 6 weeks of intervention, no between-group difference was observed in the intensity of morning pain or pain with walking, mean difference = -0.4 (95% confidence intervals = -1.5 to 0.8). Similarly, after 12 weeks of intervention, no between-group difference was observed in the intensity of morning pain or pain with walking, mean difference = -0.7 (95% confidence intervals = -1.9 to 0.6). Finally, at 4 weeks after the end of the intervention, there was no between-group difference in morning pain or pain on walking, mean difference = 0.01 (95% confidence intervals = -1.4 to 1.4). All differences and confidence intervals were smaller than the minimum clinically important difference for pain (2 points). There were no differences between the groups for the secondary outcomes. In addition, the mean differences were smaller than the minimum clinically important differences for pain intensity, foot function and functional walking ability.
CONCLUSIONS: Custom-made insoles fitted to flip-flops did not differ from flip-flops with sham insoles in improving pain intensity, foot function and functional walking ability in people with persistent heel pain.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04784598). Data of registration: 2023-01-20.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of chronic heel pain, affecting young and older patients.
METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment who underwent intra-arterial embolization of abnormal neovessels. All patients received temporary embolic material through a needle percutaneously inserted into the posterior tibial artery. The numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and procedure-related adverse events were evaluated.
RESULTS: Between January 2020 and February 2022, 66 patients with PF were treated with intra-arterial embolization without major adverse events. The NRS pain score improved significantly, and the AOFAS score increased from 65.8 pre-treatment to 92.8 at 1 year post-treatment. The treatment effect was maintained until the final follow-up (mean duration: 30.9 months).
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided intraarterial embolization using temporary embolic material may be effective for PF.
METHODS: IV.

Plantar fasciopathy is a very common musculoskeletal complaint that leads to reduced physical activity and undermines the quality of life of patients. It is associated with changes in plantar fascia structure and biomechanics which are most often observed between the tissue\'s middle portion and the calcaneal insertion. Sonographic measurements of thickness and shear wave (SW) elastography are useful tools for detecting such changes and guide clinical decision making. However, their accuracy can be compromised by variability in the tissue\'s loading history. This study investigates the effect of loading history on plantar fascia measurements to conclude whether mitigation measures are needed for more accurate diagnosis. The plantar fasciae of 29 healthy participants were imaged at baseline and after different clinically relevant loading scenarios. The average (±standard deviation) SW velocity was 6.5 m/s (±1.5 m/s) and it significantly increased with loading. Indicatively, five minutes walking increased SW velocity by 14% (95% CI: -1.192, -0.298, t(27), p = 0.005). Thickness between the calcaneal insertion and the middle of the plantar fascia did not change with the tissues\' loading history. These findings suggest that preconditioning protocols are crucial for accurate SW elastography assessments of plantar fasciae and have wider implications for the diagnosis and management of plantar fasciopathy.