Long-term ultrasonographic follow-up of plantar fasciitis patients treated with steroid injection

Efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, compared to corticosteroid injections, on pain, plantar fascia thickness and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves versus corticosteroids injections on pain, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Secondarily, to assess the efficacy of radial and focused extracorporeal shock waves and the most appropriated intensity (high, medium or low).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PEDro, until April 2024, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves versus corticosteroids injections on pain intensity and sensitivity, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using PEDro Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Pooled effect was calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS

Sixteen studies involving 1121 patients, showing a mean of 6 points in PEDro scale, were included. At three months, extracorporeal shock waves were better than corticosteroids injections in reducing pain (SMD -0.6; 95%CI -1.1 to -0.11) and thickness of the plantar fascia (SMD -0.4; 95%CI -0.8 to -0.01) and increasing foot function (SMD 0.27; 95%CI 0.12-0.44). At six months, extracorporeal shock waves are more effective in reducing pain (SMD -0.81; 95%CI -1.6 to -0.06) and increasing foot function (SMD 0.67; 95%CI 0.45-0.89). Local pain and slight erythema were the most frequent adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal shock waves are a safe therapy, presenting more efficacy than corticosteroids injections in improving pain, thickness of plantar fascia and foot function at mid-term.

Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Study on Functional Restoration and Pain Relief

Background Heel discomfort and functional impairment are frequently caused by plantar fasciitis, and treating it can be extremely difficult for clinicians and occasionally have unfavorable clinical consequences. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as an alternative therapy for plantar fasciitis (PF) to reduce heel pain and improve functional restoration. We evaluated the current evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of PRP as a treatment for PF. Methodology This was a hospital-based prospective study on patients with plantar fasciitis with a symptom duration of six months or more with failed conservative therapy. All patients included in the study were assessed clinically and by a visual analog score (VAS) for heel pain, the Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AHS) component of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores before injection, and at three weeks, three and six-months post-PRP treatment follow-up. Ultrasonography (USG) measurement of plantar fascia thickness was done pre-injection and at the six-month follow-up for clinical outcomes and any complications. Results The study included 25 patients with plantar fasciitis, with the majority (48%) in the age group of 21-30 years. Females accounted for 64% of the patients while males accounted for 36%. Most patients (56%) had a moderately active daily activity level. The study found that 16 patients had bilateral plantar fasciitis while nine had unilateral plantar fasciitis. Among the patients with bilateral plantar fasciitis, a total of 32 heels were affected while the 9 patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis had 9 affected heels. Most female patients (75%) had bilateral plantar fasciitis while most male patients (56%) had unilateral plantar fasciitis. Before PRP therapy, both male and female patients reported high pain scores on the VAS for both heels. However, after PRP infiltration, the VAS scores significantly decreased at three weeks, three months, and six months post-injection, indicating pain relief. The AOFAS hindfoot and ankle scores and FAAM scores showed improvement over the follow-up period. Both male and female patients experienced significant improvements in functional outcomes, with increases in AOFAS (p-value 0.45) and FAAM scores (p-value 0.31) at three weeks, three months, and six months post-injection compared to baseline. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in pain scores (73% pain relief), as well as significant improvements in AOFAS scores with an average of 22.33 from baseline (mean = 67.75±9.7) to final follow-up (mean = 90.08±7.9) and FAAM scores with an average of 23.72 from baseline (mean = 49.38±5.2) to final follow-up (mean = 73.10±5.2) after PRP infiltration. Conclusion The outcomes of a single dosage of PRP injections demonstrate clinically and statistically substantial improvements in functional outcome scores, plantar fascia thickness evaluated by USG, and VAS scores for heel pain. According to the results of this study, local PRP injection is an effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.

Prolotherapy Versus Phonophoresis and Corticosteroid Injections for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of prolotherapy with phonophoresis and steroid injection in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). One hundred forty-six patients with PF were randomly divided into prolotherapy, phonophoresis, and injection groups. The treatment method to be applied to them was determined by drawing lots of equal numbers of papers with "Prolotherapy," "Corticosteroid," and "Phonophoress" written on it among those who accepted to be treated. Patients were evaluated using heel sensitivity index (HSI), visual analog scale (VAS), foot function index (FFI), and Short Form (SF)-36 at baseline, first and third months after the therapy. Plantar fascia thickness (PFT) was measured by ultrasonography (USG) at baseline, first and third months after the therapy. Statistically significant improvements were found in all parameters at 1 and 3 months after treatment in all groups (p < .05). There was no significant difference between VAS and FFI scores between the 3 groups (p > .05). Improvement in the HSI (p = .021) and SF-36 general health (GH) subscales at the third month after treatment in the prolotherapy group was significantly better at the first and third months compared to the other groups (p = .033 and p < .01). No complications were observed in any of the patients. Our study results suggest that prolotherapy, phonophoresis, and steroid injection are beneficial as safe treatment modalities in the early period of PF treatment. The improvement of HSI and SF-36 GH subscale lasts longer with prolotherapy, but ultrasonographic findings do not change in the third month of these treatment applications.

Ultrasound-Guided Injection of Dextrose Versus Corticosteroid in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Management: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

DESIGN

Chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of chronic heel pain, with different conventional treatment options. In this randomized clinical trial, the effect of ultrasound-guided injection of dextrose versus corticosteroid in chronic PF was evaluated and compared.

METHODS

A total of 44 patients suffering from chronic PF who visited the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic were enrolled in the study. Two table-randomized groups were formed. They received an ultrasonography-guided, single injection of either 40 mg methylprednisolone or 20% dextrose. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire with 2 subscales, Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-A) and Sports (FAAM-S), along with ultrasonographic parameters were evaluated before and at 2 and 12 weeks after the injection. Results. A total of 40 participants completed the study. Both interventions significantly improved pain and function at 2 and 12 weeks postinjection. After 2 weeks, compared with the dextrose prolotherapy, the corticosteroid group had significantly lower daytime and morning NRS scores (2.55 vs 4.1, P = .012, and 2.75 vs 4.65, P = .004), higher FAAM-S (66.84 vs 54.19; P = .047), and lower plantar fascia thickness at insertion and 1 cm distal to the insertion zone (3.89 vs 4.29 mm, P = .004, and 3.13 vs 3.48 mm, P = .002), whereas FAAM-A was similar in both groups (P = .219). After 12 weeks, all study variables were statistically similar between corticosteroid and dextrose prolotherapy groups. No injection-related side effects were recorded in either group.

CONCLUSION

Both methods are effective. Compared with dextrose prolotherapy, our results show that corticosteroid injection may have superior therapeutic effects early after injection, accompanied by a similar outcome at 12 weeks postinjection.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Effect of Age and BMI on Sonographic Findings of Plantar Fascia

Biomechanical dysfunction of the foot is most common cause of plantar fascia disorder and obesity and increasing age are well-known risk factors. Due to being inexpensive and quick, ultrasound imaging techniques are considered the modality of choice to assess plantar fascia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age and body mass index (BMI) on sonographic findings of plantar fascia in normal population. Ultrasonography was used to measure the plantar fascia thickness of 148 healthy adults (54 males, 36.5% and 94 females, 63.5%) during a period of one year. The age, BMI, and walking distance of each participant were recorded and statistically analyzed. The mean plantar fascia thicknesses at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 cm distal to the insertion of the plantar fascia were 1.76 ± 0.32 mm, 2.50 ± 0.50 mm and 2.11 ± 0.41 mm respectively. The mean plantar fascia thickness for individuals ≥45 years and BMI ≥25 were significantly higher (p < .001) compared to individuals <45 years and BMI <25. In a normal population, the thickness of the plantar fascia determined by ultrasound measurement was less than 3 mm. We recommend using the position 1.0 cm distal to the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia as the reference point for diagnosing plantar fasciitis. The thickness of plantar fascia was significantly increased with age and BMI whereas gender, walking activity, exercise and running did not seem to affect the plantar fascia thickness.

The relationship between ultrasonography with or without contrast and the clinical outcome in plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common disorder without objective parameters for disease severity.

PURPOSE

to investigate whether structural changes in the plantar fascia and heel fat pad determined by ultrasound scanning with or without contrast is related to outcome measures in patients with symptomatic PF, and to investigate whether there is an association between changes in US findings and improvement in pain and function.

METHODS

All patients (n=90) in a randomized controlled trial treated with training and/or glucocorticosteroid injection were assessed for morning pain, function pain, Foot Function Index (FFI) and ultrasound measured thickness of the fascia and heel fat pad at entry, and after 6 months. Thirty patients were included in a longitudinal study that assessed pain, function and microvascular volume (MV) by Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound at entry and after 5 months of treatment.

RESULTS

None of the ultrasound parameters at the initial examination were related to clinical outcomes at 5-6 months. Changes in US measured thickness of the fascia but not the fat pad correlated with improvement in all outcome measures at 6 months (FFI: r=0.30, p=0.005, morning pain: r=0.21, p=0.046, function pain: r=0.28, p=0.007. MV did not change despite significant improvement in symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Changes in ultrasound measured fascia thickness is associated with clinical improvement in PF patients.

Medical imaging for plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Medical imaging can be used to assist with the diagnosis of plantar heel pain. The aim of this study was to synthesise medical imaging features associated with plantar heel pain.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted searches in MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to 12th February 2021. Peer-reviewed articles of cross-sectional observational studies written in English that compared medical imaging findings in adult participants with plantar heel pain to control participants without plantar heel pain were included. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. Sensitivity analyses were conducted where appropriate to account for studies that used unblinded assessors.

Results

Forty-two studies (2928 participants) were identified and included in analyses. Only 21% of studies were rated ‘good’ on quality assessment. Imaging features associated with plantar heel pain included a thickened plantar fascia (on ultrasound and MRI), abnormalities of the plantar fascia (on ultrasound and MRI), abnormalities of adjacent tissue such as a thickened loaded plantar heel fat pad (on ultrasound), and a plantar calcaneal spur (on x-ray). In addition, there is some evidence from more than one study that there is increased hyperaemia within the fascia (on power Doppler ultrasound) and abnormalities of bone in the calcaneus (increased uptake on technetium-99 m bone scan and bone marrow oedema on MRI).

Conclusions

People with plantar heel pain are more likely to have a thickened plantar fascia, abnormal plantar fascia tissue, a thicker loaded plantar heel fat pad, and a plantar calcaneal spur. In addition, there is some evidence of hyperaemia within the plantar fascia and abnormalities of the calcaneus. Whilst these medical imaging features may aid with diagnosis, additional high-quality studies investigating medical imaging findings for some of these imaging features would be worthwhile to improve the precision of these findings and determine their clinical relevance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13047-021-00507-2.

Comparison of the effect of hyaluronic acid injection versus extracorporeal shockwave therapy on chronic plantar fasciitis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain in the plantar region of the heel, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an option used in cases where conservative treatment fails. Hyaluronic acid (HA), initially used for osteoarthrosis, is a treatment option because it has been applied to extra-articular regions, such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The aim of the present study will be to evaluate the outcomes of pain, function, and personal satisfaction after a single injection of HA and to compare the results with those of ESWT in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

The study will include 80 patients who will be randomized to receive three sessions of ESWT (n = 40) or a single ultrasound-guided HA injection in the plantar fascia (n = 40). The outcomes will include the visual analog pain scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). All of the assessments will be performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Statistical analysis will be performed using the repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance test) for primary and secondary outcomes and also Fisher's Least Significant Difference, a Post-Hoc test. We will use R software for statistical analysis, randomization, and sample size calculation.

RESULTS

Recruitment and data collection will begin in November 2020, with completion scheduled for November 2022 and final publication available in March 2023.

CONCLUSION

This trial will evaluate the effects of a single ultrasound-guided HA injection for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Register Number: RBR-97vkx4) http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-97vkx4/.

Reliability in ultrasound measurements of plantar aponeurosis thickness

PURPOSE

Given the increasing research interest in ultrasound plantar aponeurosis (PA) thickness measurements, this study aimed to analyze the inter and intra-rater reliability of independent sonograms and to identify the error related to the image analysis procedure.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy men participated in this study. Imaging of PA consisted of two independent sonograms per subject. Two raters (R1 and R2) evaluated each sonogram twice using standardized steps. Precision of the image analysis procedure was analyzed using the Bland and Altman plot and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Agreement estimates and ICC were used to assess absolute and relative inter and intra-rater reliability.

RESULTS

Reliability of PA thickness was found to depend strongly on the number of images acquired per subject. Intra-rater agreement for single measurements were 0.696 (R1) and 0.495 (R2), whereas average measurements yielded values of 0.821 (R1) and 0.662 (R2), respectively. Precision within a sonogram varied from ICC values of 0.873 to 0.960 (intra-rater) and 0.670 to 0.822 (inter-rater).

CONCLUSION

Most part of the error in PA thickness measurements seems to be related to the sonogram acquisition process and not to the visual inspection of the image. To minimize error, average values of a minimum of two images per subject should be used. The moderate agreement between raters found in this study ratifies the need of all measurements being made by the same rater or group of raters. If a single rater evaluates all subjects, performing multiple measurements over one image does not seem to affect ICC as much as acquiring multiple images.

Outcome of Corticosteroid Injections, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, and Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic heel pain with plantar fasciitis is relatively common and can affect adults of all ages regardless of an active or sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection (CSI), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL) treatments in chronic plantar heel pain that has been unresponsive to other conservative treatments.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the results of 217 patients treated with CSI (n = 73), ESWT (n = 75), and RTL (n = 69). The treatment efficacy and pain intensity, as measured using the visual analog scale, were recorded and compared at the 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Pain intensity decreased significantly in all patients. However, it decreased significantly more in the CSI and RTL groups than in the ESWT group (P < .001). Age, sex, body mass index, calcaneal spur presence, and symptom duration were similar among 3 groups (P > .05). No complications were noted after the CSI, ESWT, or RTL sessions.

CONCLUSION

CSI, ESWT, and RTL successfully treated chronic plantar heel pain that did not respond to other conservative treatments; however, CSI and RTL yielded better therapeutic outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) local injection has been recently proposed as a treatment of plantar fasciitis. The autologous PRP does not have much side effects compared to steroid injections. So far PRP injections have shown promising results in various studies. This study assessed the efficacy of a single local injection of PRP in chronic unilateral plantar fasciitis through a prospective case series.

METHODOLOGY

A hospital-based prospective case series of 30 unilateral plantar fasciitis patients with symptom duration of 6 months or more were included in the study. All patients included in the study were assessed clinically and by visual analogue score for heel pain, AHS component of AOFAS and FADI scores before injection and at 6 and 12 week follow-up. USG measurement of plantar fascia thickness was done at pre-injection and at 12 weeks follow-up. All patients were observed for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The mean age was 39 years (range 20-55 years). The pre-injection VAS score for heel pain was 6.5 ± 1.1 which improved to 2.7 ± 0.5 and 1.8 ± 0.8 at 6 and 12 week respectively and difference was significant (p < 0.001). The baseline FADI and AHS component of AOFAS scores were 53.1 ± 9.0 and 72.2 ± 5.7 which improved to 65.5 ± 5.3 and 76.1 ± 4.5 at 6 weeks and, 77.9 ± 4.4 and 85.7 ± 4.6 at 12 weeks respectively which was significant (p < 0.001). The baseline mean plantar fascia thickness was 4.9 ± 0.3 mm which was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced to 3.9 ± 0.3 mm at 12 weeks post PRP injection. All pairwise comparisons by the post-hoc Wilcoxon signed rank test with p-value adjustment were also significant.

CONCLUSION

The short-term results of single dose PRP injections shows clinical and statistically significant improvements in VAS for heel pain, functional outcome scores and plantar fascia thickness measured by USG. This study concludes that local PRP injection is a viable management option for chronic plantar fasciitis.

The Effect of Corticosteroid Local Injection Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in Obese Patients: A Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is one of the most common painful and disabling foot conditions, for which various treatments have been proposed. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with the conventional method of local corticosteroid injection in obese patients who were resistant to other nonsurgical treatments. In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 32 obese patients with chronic plantar heel pain were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 16 participants each. In 1 group, 40 mg of dimethylprednisolone was injected once into the painful heel, whereas the other group received 3 separate injections of PRP, with each injection administered 1 week apart. The groups were compared at baseline and at 24 weeks after the injection, or course of injections, was administered. Exposures, total morning pain, and foot function index were not statistically significantly different between the groups at baseline; however, at 24 weeks after the treatment, final pain and morning pain scores were statistically significantly (p < .001) better in the corticosteroid group, and the mean foot function index scores were 65.4 ± 3.2 and 58.3 ± 2.9 (p < .001) in patients treated with corticosteroid and PRP, respectively. In obese patients with plantar fasciitis, injection with corticosteroid was more effective than PRP at reducing pain and improving function.

Effectiveness of Four Different Treatment Modalities in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis During a 36-Month Follow-Up Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

No consensus has been reached about the best treatment method of plantar fasciitis and the results of the treatment methods have been inconsistent. The objective of the present study was to compare the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, local corticosteroid injection, and prolotherapy for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis using a randomized, controlled, prospective study. We performed a randomized controlled prospective clinical study of 4 groups. The first group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy, the second group received prolotherapy, the third group received platelet-rich plasma injection, and the fourth group received a local corticosteroid injection. The study included 158 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis with a symptomatic heel spur. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale and Revised Foot Function Index. At the end of the follow-up period, the mean visual analog scale scores for all 4 groups were similar to the mean visual analog scale scores before treatment. At the end of the follow-up period, no significant improvement was noted in the Revised Foot Function Index score in any of the groups. The corticosteroid injection was more effective in the first 3 months and extracorporeal shock wave therapy was an effective treatment method in the first 6 months in regard to pain. The corticosteroid injection lost its effectiveness during the follow-up period. The effect of prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma was seen within 3 to 12 months; however, at the 36-month follow-up point, no differences were found among the 4 treatments.

Comparison of efficacy of shock-wave therapy versus corticosteroids in plantar fasciitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroid (CS) injections have been proven to be effective in ameliorating symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Shock-wave (SW) therapy is another common treatment of plantar fasciitis, and several meta-analyses have documented its advantages when compared to placebo treatment. Despite this, few studies have focused on comparing the use of CS and SW in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess whether SW is superior to CS in managing plantar fasciitis, both in terms of ameliorating pain as well as improving functionality.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify relevant articles that were published in Pubmed, Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, Clinical Trials.gov and OVID from the databases' inception to July 2018. All studies comparing the efficacy of SW and CS in terms of pain levels and functionality improvement were included. Data on the two primary outcomes were collected and analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the current meta-analysis. A significant difference in VAS score (MD = - 0.96, Cl - 1.28 to - 0.63, P < 0.00001, I² = 96%) was noted between the SW group and the CS group. No significant difference was seen in the Mayo CSS or FFI or HFI or 100 Scoring System score at the 3 months follow-up (Chi² = 0.62, I² = 0%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical relevance of the present study is that both SW and CS were effective and successful in relieving pain and improving self-reported function in the treatment of plantar fasciitis at 3 months. Although inter-group differences were not significant, the VAS score was better improved in the SW group, highlighting that shock-wave therapy may be a better alternative for the management of chronic plantar fasciitis.

Thickness of plantar fascia is not predictive of functional outcome in plantar fasciitis treatment

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to define a quantitative parameter to indicate which cases of plantar fasciitis will benefit from local corticosteroid injection or ESWT and to compare the efficacy of two different treatment modalities.

METHODS

Seventy patients (mean age: 49.10; range: 41-58) with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative treatment for 3 months were treated with either betamethasone injection or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Correlation between AOFAS scores, fascia thickness, duration of symptoms, age and calcaneal spur length were assessed.

RESULTS

Degree of fascial thickening (mean 4.6 mm for all patients) did not influence baseline AOFAS scores (r = -0.054). Plantar fascia thickness significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (1.2 mm for steroid, 1.2 mm for ESWT) (p < 0.01 for both groups). Percentage of change in AOFAS scores (68% for steroid and 79% for ESWT, p = 0.069) and fascial thickness (24% for steroid and 26% for ESWT, p = 0.344) were similar between two groups. Functional recovery was not correlated with baseline fascial thickness (r = 0.047) or degree of fascial thinning after treatment (r = -0.099). Percentage of change in AOFAS scores was correlated only with baseline AOFAS scores (r = -0.943).

CONCLUSIONS

Plantar fascia thickness increases significantly in plantar fasciitis and responds to treatment. Both ESWT and betamethasone injection are effective in alleviating symptoms and reducing plantar fascia thickness in chronic plantar fasciitis. However, the only predictive factor for functional recovery in terms of AOFAS scores is patients' functional status prior to treatment. Measuring of plantar fascia is not helpful as a diagnostic or prognostic tool and MRI imaging should be reserved for differential diagnosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Therapeutic study.

Platelet-rich plasma in the foot and ankle

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Platelet-rich plasma has become an increasingly popular treatment option within the orthopedic community to biologically enhance and stimulate difficult-to-heal musculoskeletal tissues. This review evaluates the recent literature on platelet-rich plasma use in the treatment of foot and ankle pathologies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature has demonstrated platelet-rich plasma to have a possible benefit in the treatment of Achilles pathology, chronic plantar fasciitis, osteochondral lesions of the talus, ankle osteoarthritis, and diabetic foot ulcers. However, given the lack of standardization of platelet-rich plasma preparations and protocols and the predominance of low-quality studies, no definitive treatment indications exist. Platelet-rich plasma is a promising treatment option, but at present, there is only limited clinical evidence supporting its use in foot and ankle applications.

Comparison of Plantar Fasciitis Injected With Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This prospective study compared the efficacy of local injection of corticosteroids vs platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 40 each (group A and group B). Patients were treated with local corticosteroid injection in group A and autologous PRP injection in group B. Clinical assessment was done prior to the injection and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months following the injection, which included visual analog pain scale, subjective rating using the modified Roles and Maudsley score, functional outcome score by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Instrument (FAI) core scale, and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale. Radiological assessment was done by measuring the thickness of the plantar fascia using ultrasonography. The mean age, sex, and body mass index of both groups were comparable.

RESULTS

Postinjection, there was significant improvement of visual analog score, modified Roles and Maudsley score, FAI core scale, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, and plantar fascia thickness in both the groups. However, with the numbers available, no significant difference in improvement could be detected between the above-mentioned variables in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

We found that the treatment of plantar fasciitis with steroid or PRP injection was equally effective.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, prospective randomized comparative series.

Metatarsophalangeal joint extension changes ultrasound measurements for plantar fascia thickness

Background

Ultrasound is an inexpensive method for quantifying plantar fascia thickness, especially in those with plantar fasciitis. Ultrasound has also been used to assess the effectiveness of various treatments for plantar fasciitis by comparing plantar fascia thickness before and after an intervention period. While a plantar fascia thickness over 4 mm via ultrasound has been proposed to be consistent with plantar fasciitis, some researchers believe the 4 mm plantar fascia thickness level to be a dubious guideline for diagnosing plantar fasciitis due to the lack of standardization of the measurement process for plantar fascia thickness. In particular, no universal guidelines exist on the positioning of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints during the procedure and the literature also has inconsistent protocols. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the influence of MTP joint extension on plantar fascia thickness in healthy participants and those with unilateral plantar fasciitis.

Methods

The plantar fascia thickness of forty participants (20 with unilateral plantar fasciitis and 20 control) was measured via ultrasound three times at three different MTP joint positions: 1) at rest, 2) 30° of extension from the plantar surface, and 3) maximal extension possible.

Results

The plantar fascia became significantly thinner as MTP joint extension increased in both the plantar fasciitis group (p < 0.001) and the control group (p < 0.001). In the plantar fasciitis group, the involved plantar fascia was 1.2 to 1.3 mm thicker (p < 0.001) than the uninvolved side depending on the MTP joint position. In the control group, the difference in plantar fascia thickness between the two sides was less than 0.1 mm (p < 0.92) at any MTP joint position.

Conclusions

MTP joint position can influence the ultrasound measurement of plantar fascia thickness. It is recommended that plantar fascia thickness measurements be performed with the toes at rest. If MTP joints must be extended, then the toes should be extended maximally and then noted to ensure subsequent ultrasound procedures are repeated. Standardizing the position of the MTP joints is not only important for attaining the most accurate thickness measurement of the plantar fascia, but is also important to researchers who use plantar fascia thickness to determine the effectiveness of various plantar fasciitis interventions.

Shall We Inject Superficial or Deep to the Plantar Fascia? An Ultrasound Study of the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

We compared the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided corticosteroid, injected superficial or deep to the fascia, in patients with plantar fasciitis. Thirty patients (24 females [75%] and 6 males [25%]) with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis were divided into 2 groups according to the corticosteroid injection site: superficial (n = 15) or deep (n = 15) to the plantar fascia. Patient heel pain was measured using a Likert pain scale and the Foot Ankle Outcome Scale (FAOS) for foot disability, evaluated at baseline and repeated in the first and sixth weeks. The plantar fascia and heel pad thicknesses were assessed on US scans at baseline and the sixth week. The groups were similar in age, gender, and body mass index (p > .05 for all). Compared with the baseline values, the Likert pain scale (p < .001 for all) and FAOS subscale (p < .01 for all) scores had improved at the first and sixth week follow-up visits in both groups. Although the plantar fascia thickness had decreased significantly in both groups at the sixth week (p < .001 for both), the heel pad thickness remained unchanged (p > .05 for both). The difference in the FAOS subscales (pain, p = .002; activities of daily living, p = .003; sports/recreational activities, p = .008; quality of life, p = .009) and plantar fascia thickness (p = .049) showed better improvement in the deep than in the superficial injection group. US-guided corticosteroid injections are safe and effective in the short-term therapeutic outcome of chronic plantar fasciitis. Additionally, injection of corticosteroid deep to the fascia might result in greater reduction in plantar fascia thickness, pain, and disability and improved foot-related quality of life.

Long-Term Prognosis of Plantar Fasciitis: A 5- to 15-Year Follow-up Study of 174 Patients With Ultrasound Examination

Background:

Plantar fasciitis (PF) affects 7% to 10% of the population. The long-term prognosis is unknown.

Purpose:

Our study had 4 aims: (1) to assess the long-term prognosis of PF, (2) to evaluate whether baseline characteristics (sex, body mass index, age, smoking status, physical work, exercise-induced symptoms, bilateral heel pain, fascia thickness, and presence of a heel spur) could predict long-term outcomes, (3) to assess the long-term ultrasound (US) development in the fascia, and (4) to assess whether US-guided corticosteroid injections induce atrophy of the heel fat pad.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

From 2001 to 2011 (baseline), 269 patients were diagnosed with PF based on symptoms and US. At follow-up (2016), all patients were invited to an interview regarding their medical history and for clinical and US re-examinations. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to estimate the long-term prognosis, and a multiple Cox regression analysis was used for the prediction model.

Results:

In all, 174 patients (91 women, 83 men) participated in the study. All were interviewed, and 137 underwent a US examination. The mean follow-up was 9.7 years from the onset of symptoms and 8.9 years from baseline. At follow-up, 54% of patients were asymptomatic (mean duration of symptoms, 725 days), and 46% still had symptoms. The risk of having PF was 80.5% after 1 year, 50.0% after 5 years, 45.6% after 10 years, and 44.0% after 15 years from the onset of symptoms. The risk was significantly greater for women (P < .01) and patients with bilateral pain (P < .01). Fascia thickness decreased significantly in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups (P < .01) from 6.9 mm and 6.7 mm, respectively, to 4.3 mm in both groups. Fascia thickness (P = .49) and presence of a heel spur (P = .88) at baseline had no impact on prognosis. At follow-up, fascia thickness and echogenicity had normalized in only 24% of the asymptomatic group. The mean fat pad thickness was 9.0 mm in patients who had received a US-guided corticosteroid injection and 9.4 mm in those who had not been given an injection (P = .66).

Conclusion:

The risk of having PF in this study was 45.6% at a mean 10 years after the onset of symptoms. The asymptomatic patients had PF for a mean 725 days. The prognosis was significantly worse for women and patients with bilateral pain. Fascia thickness decreased over time regardless of symptoms and had no impact on prognosis, and neither did the presence of a heel spur. Only 24% of asymptomatic patients had a normal fascia on US at long-term follow-up. A US-guided corticosteroid injection did not cause atrophy of the heel fat pad. Our observational study did not allow us to determine the efficacy of different treatment strategies.

The Use of Decellularized Human Placenta in Full-Thickness Wound Repair and Periarticular Soft Tissue Reconstruction: An Update on Regenerative Healing

Prolonged or incomplete healing of the foot and ankle can pose significant challenges. Therefore, investigators have begun searching for alternative treatment strategies. With advances in tissue engineering, decellularized human placental connective tissue matrix has been suggested as a means to achieve more rapid and complete healing for various soft tissue and bone procedures. Basic science and clinical studies have shown that decellularized human placental connective tissue matrix can support regenerative healing through cellular migration, accelerated tissue remodeling, and the establishment of functional tissue. Additional research is needed to fully explore and evaluate clinical applications within the foot and ankle.

Sonoelastography in the Evaluation of Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: 3-Month Follow-Up After Collagen Injection

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound elastography can demonstrate the outcome of the treatment in comparison with gray-scale imaging.

METHODS

Sixteen patients (mean age, 46.9 years) with plantar fasciitis were prospectively enrolled after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Individuals graded their heel pain on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and underwent gray-scale ultrasonography and sonoelastography. Collagen was injected in the heels. Fascial thickness and hypoechogenicity, perifascial edema, and plantar fascial elasticity were evaluated. Follow-up sonoelastography and VAS grading were done 3 months after the injection. Statistical analyses were performed by the paired t test and the Fisher exact test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mean plantar fascial thickness showed insignificant decrease on follow-up (from 4.30 [1.37] to 4.23 [1.15] mm, P = 0.662). Fascial hypoechogenicity and perifascial edema did not change significantly after treatment. The mean strain ratio of the plantar fascia was significantly increased (from 0.71 [0.24] to 1.66 [0.72], P = 0.001). Softening of the plantar fascia decreased significantly after injection (from 12 to 3 ft, P = 0.004). Twelve (75%) of 16 patients showed significant VAS improvement at the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonoelastography revealed a hardening of the plantar fascia after collagen injection treatment and could aid in monitoring the improvement of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, in cases where gray-scale imaging is inconclusive.

Ultrasound-guided injection for plantar fasciitis: A brief review

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a distressing condition experienced by many patients. Although self-limiting, it tends to become a chronic ailment if the precipitating factors are not addressed. One of the modality of treating PF is intra-lesional corticosteroid injection. This was done using palpation technique earlier but nowadays many specialists use ultrasound (US) imaging as a guide to give injection accurately instead of inadvertently damaging the plantar fascia or injecting into surrounding soft tissue, both of which can have serious implications. We did a literature search in Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases to find out articles describing US-guided corticosteroid injection for treating PF and whether guided injection was effective than injection given by palpation.

Ultrasound-guided retro-calcaneal bursa corticosteroid injection for refractory Achilles tendinitis in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathy: efficacy and follow-up study

Ultrasound (US)-guided corticosteroid injection has been shown to be safe and effective for varied causes of plantar fasciitis; however, its use for Achilles tendinitis is controversial. We studied the efficacy and changes in US findings at Achilles enthesitis after corticosteroid injection in patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA). Patients with SpA with symptomatic Achilles enthesitis, refractory to 6 weeks of full-dose NSAIDs, were offered US-guided local corticosteroid injection. Injected entheses were examined by US (both B mode and power Doppler) at baseline and 6 weeks after injection. Standard OMERACT definitions were used to define enthesitis. Achilles tendon thickness >5.29 mm, 2 cm proximal to insertion in long axis, was considered thickened. Twenty-seven symptomatic Achilles tendons (in 18 patients) were injected with 20 mg methylprednisolone under US guidance baseline, and 6-week follow-up US features were compared. All patients reported improvement in pain (VAS) in the affected tendon after injection (p < 0.0001). Simultaneously, improvement in local inflammatory changes were noted, in the form of significant reduction in tendon thickness (p < 0.0001), vascularity (p < 0.0001), peritendinous oedema (p = 0.001), bursitis and bursal vascularity (p < 0.001 and < 0.0001, respectively). There was no change in bone erosions and enthesophyte. None of the patients had tendon rupture or other injection-related complications at 6 weeks of follow-up. US-guided local corticosteroid injection is an effective and safe modality for refractory Achilles enthesitis in patients with SpA and leads to reversion of acute changes at entheseal site.

Objective assessment of corticosteroid effect in plantar fasciitis: additional utility of ultrasound

BACKGROUND

although plantar fascia thickening is well documented as a sonographic criterion for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis (PF), however it was less evaluated as an objective measure of response to treatment. It is unknown to what extent if any different responses to different treatments are related to the ultrasound (US) morphology changes. We aimed to evaluate changes in US findings in correlation to pain reported.

METHODS

this prospective observational trial included 21 plantar fasciitis patients (26 feet), resistant to conservative treatment for at least 2 months. Plantar fascia thickness and echogenicity were evaluated, compared to asymptomatic feet and correlated with visual analogue scale (VAS) and Heel Tenderness Index (HTI), before and after dexam-ethasone (DXM) iontophoresis in group I, and DXM injection in group II.

RESULTS

increased thickness and reduced echogenicity were constant in symptomatic feet, with high statistical significant difference compared to asymptomatic side. Correlation between plantar fascia thickness with VAS and HTI before and after treatment showed statistically significant positive correlation (p<0.05). ROC curve test showed that reduction of plantar fascia thickness by US in response to DXM had 100% sensitivity, 65.2% specificity and 69% accuracy, with higher specificity and accuracy than VAS.

CONCLUSION

US changes showed concurrent validity correlated with self-reported clinical improvement. Accordingly, ultrasound can be considered an objective useful tool for monitoring response to corticosteroid in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Prognostic Value of Diagnostic Sonography in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the sonographic appearance of the plantar fascia is predictive of the treatment (ie, pain) response in patients receiving supportive therapy for proximal plantar fasciitis. This study was a secondary analysis of data obtained from a randomized controlled trial of ambulatory adults, which examined the efficacy of 3 different foot supports for plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Participants underwent diagnostic sonographic examinations of their heel at baseline and again at 3 months by a single experienced foot and ankle surgeon. Quantitative (eg, thickness) and qualitative (eg, biconvexity) characteristics of the fascia were recorded according to a standard protocol. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of the pain response.

RESULTS

Seventy patients completed a baseline evaluation, and 63 patients completed a 3-month follow-up assessment. The pain response was not associated with the type of foot support (P> .05). The only significant indicator of an unfavorable response in the univariate and multivariate analyses was biconvexity of the plantar fascia on sonography at presentation (multivariate odds ratio, 4.76 [95% confidence interval, 1.16-19.5; P= .030). Furthermore, changes in self-reported pain over the 3-month study period were not accompanied by alterations in plantar fascia thickness over this time (r = .056; P = .671).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that patients who present with biconvexity of the plantar fascia may be less responsive to tier 1 treatment regimens that center around mechanical support of the plantar fascia. Furthermore, follow-up measurements of the fascia in this population should not weigh heavily in decisions such as return to play.

Treatment Outcomes of Corticosteroid Injection and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as Two Primary Therapeutic Methods for Acute Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

The outcome of corticosteroid injection (CSI) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as primary treatment of acute plantar fasciitis has been debated. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of CSI and ESWT in patients with acute (<6-week duration) symptomatic plantar fasciitis. Of the 116 eligible patients, 68 were randomized to 2 equal groups of 34 patients, each undergoing either ESWT or CSI. The ESWT method included 2000 impulses with energy of 0.15 mJ/mm(2) and a total energy flux density of 900 mJ/mm(2) for 3 consecutive sessions at 1-week intervals. In the CSI group, 40 mg of methyl prednisolone acetate plus 1 mL of lidocaine 2% was injected into the maximal tenderness point at the inframedial calcaneal tuberosity. The success and recurrence rates and pain intensity measured using the visual analog scale, were recorded and compared at the 3-month follow-up visit. The pain intensity had reduced significantly in all patients undergoing either technique. However, the value and trend of pain reduction in the CSI group was significantly greater than those in the ESWT group (p < .0001). In the ESWT and CSI groups, 19 (55.9%) and 5 (14.7%) patients experienced treatment failure, respectively. Age, gender, body mass index, and recurrence rate were similar between the 2 groups (p > .05). Both ESWT and CSI can be used as the primary and/or initial treatment option for treating patients with acute plantar fasciitis; however, the CSI technique had better therapeutic outcomes.

Targeting the Plantar Fascia for Corticosteroid Injection

Plantar fasciitis is often a difficult condition to treat. It is related to repetitive strain of the fascia at its attachment to the heel bone. This condition quite often appears with the concomitant presence of a plantar calcaneal heel spur. Corticosteroid injection is a popular treatment choice for plantar fasciitis, and accurate localization of the injected medication is essential for successful resolution of symptoms after the injection. In the present brief technical communication, a method for targeting the attachment of the plantar fascia to the medial tubercle of the tuberosity of the calcaneus is described. The targeting method uses the lateral radiograph of the foot to aid in localization of the proximal attachment of the plantar fascia to the calcaneus.

Platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic plantar fasciopathy: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

There is an increasing interest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection as a treatment for chronic plantar fasciopathy (PF). We wished to evaluate the evidence for the use of PRP in PF/fasciitis.

SOURCES OF DATA

We performed a systematic review on the effects of PRP in PF. In June 2014, we searched Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases using various combinations of the commercial names of each PRP preparation and 'plantar' (with its associated terms). We only included prospectively designed studies in humans.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Eight articles met the inclusion criteria, three of them were randomized. All studies yielded a significantly greater improvement in symptoms between baseline and last follow-up assessment. None of the papers recorded major complications.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Only three randomized studies were identified; none of them had a true controlled group treated with placebo and one of the three studies had a very short (6 week) follow-up. A non-randomized study evaluating PRP versus corticosteroids (CCS) injections, and a randomized controlled trial comparing PRP and dextrose prolotherapy reported no statistical significant differences at 6 months. Most studies did not have a control group and imaging evaluation.

GROWING POINTS AND AREAS FOR RESEARCH

Evidence for the use of PRP in PF shows promising results, and this therapy appears safe. However, the number of studies available is limited and randomized placebo-controlled studies are required. Characterizing the details of the intervention and standardizing the outcome scores would help to better document the responses and optimize the treatment.

Application of ultrasound in the assessment of plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis: a systematic review

Plantar fasciitis (PFS) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, estimated to affect 10% of the general population during their lifetime. Ultrasound (US) imaging technique is increasingly being used to assess plantar fascia (PF) thickness, monitor the effect of different interventions and guide therapeutic interventions in patients with PFS. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review previously published studies concerning the application of US in the assessment of PF in patients with PFS. A literature search was performed for the period 2000-2012 using the Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Springer databases. The key words used were: ultrasound, sonography, imaging techniques, ultrasonography, interventional ultrasonography, plantar fascia and plantar fasciitis. The literature search yielded 34 relevant studies. Sixteen studies evaluated the effect of different interventions on PF thickness in patients with PFS using US; 12 studies compared PF thickness between patients with and without PFS using US; 6 studies investigated the application of US as a guide for therapeutic intervention in patients with PFS. There were variations among studies in terms of methodology used. The results indicated that US can be considered a reliable imaging technique for assessing PF thickness, monitoring the effect of different interventions and guiding therapeutic interventions in patients with PFS.

Use of primary corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciopathy: is it time to challenge existing practice?

Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is characterized by degeneration of the fascia at the calcaneal enthesis. It is a common cause of foot pain, accounting for 90% of clinical presentations of heel pathology. In 2009-2010, 9.3 million working days were lost in England due to musculoskeletal disorders, with 2.4 million of those attributable to lower-limb disorders, averaging 16.3 lost working days per case. Numerous studies have attempted to establish the short- and long-term clinical efficacy of corticosteroid injections in the management of PF. Earlier studies have not informed clinical practice. As the research base has developed, evidence has emerged supporting clinical efficacy. With diverse opinions surrounding the etiology and efficacy debate, there does not seem to be a consensus of opinion on a common treatment pathway. For example, in England, the National Institute for Clinical Health and Excellence does not publish strategic guidance for clinical practice. Herein, we review and evaluate core literature that examines the clinical efficacy of corticosteroid injection as a treatment for PF. Outcome measures were wide ranging but largely yielded results supportive of the short- and long-term benefits of this modality. The analysis also looked to establish, where possible, "proof of concept." This article provides evidence supporting the clinical efficacy of corticosteroid injections, in particular those guided by imaging technology. The evidence challenges existing orthodoxy, which marginalizes this treatment as a secondary option. This challenge is supported by recently revised guidelines published by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons advocating corticosteroid injection as a primary treatment option.

Comparison of a physiotherapy program versus dexamethasone injections for plantar fasciopathy in prolonged standing workers: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of a physiotherapy-based exercise program versus dexamethasone injection for chronic plantar fasciopathy in workers standing for prolonged periods of time.

DESIGN

A parallel group nonblinded randomized controlled trial with 12-week follow-up.

SETTING

An outpatient sports medicine clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-six workers required to stand for greater than 5 h/d with chronic plantar fasciopathy took part. Diagnosis from a physiotherapist must include signs of structural changes to the plantar fascia seen on ultrasound.

INTERVENTIONS

The PHYSIO group included 7 physiotherapy-led exercises performed daily over a 12-week period. The INJECTION group received 1 palpation-guided dexamethasone injection followed by a daily routine of calf stretching.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores 12-weeks postintervention and ultrasound-based measures of ligament appearance.

RESULTS

At follow-up, both groups reported significant improvements in FADI and visual analog scales for pain at work and with activities of daily living at 6 and 12 weeks compared with baseline scores (P < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences. There were no significant changes to plantar fascia thickness reported at the 6- and 12-week follow-up point. Both the number of cases with focal anechoic areas and the size of these anechoic areas improved significantly in the PHYSIO (P = 0.003) and INJECTION (P < 0.001) groups at 12-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Workers standing for prolonged periods experienced the same short-term therapeutic effectiveness with a physiotherapy-led exercise program compared with an injection of corticosteroid with stretching.

The use of dry needling and myofascial meridians in a case of plantar fasciitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of dry needling based on myofascial meridians for management of plantar fasciitis.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 53-year-old man presented with bilateral chronic foot pain for more than 2 years. After 2 months of conventional treatment (ultrasound, plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretching, and intrinsic foot strengthening), symptoms eventually improved; however, symptoms returned after prolonged standing or walking. Almost all previous treatment methods were localized in the site of pain that targeted only the plantar fascia. Initial examination of this individual revealed that multiple tender points were found along the insertion of Achilles tendon, medial gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and ischial tuberosity.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

Dry needling of the trigger points was applied. After 4 treatments over 2 weeks, the patient felt a 60% to 70% reduction in pain. His pressure pain threshold was increased, and pain was alleviated. The patient returned to full daily activities. The rapid relief of this patient's pain after 2 weeks of dry needling to additional locations along the superficial back line suggests that a more global view on management was beneficial to this patient.

CONCLUSION

Dry needling based on myofascial meridians improved the symptoms for a patient with recurrent plantar fasciitis.

Ultrasound- versus palpation-guided injection of corticosteroid for plantar fasciitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is controversial whether ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroid is superior to palpation-guided injection for plantar fasciitis. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided and palpation-guided injection of corticosteroid for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane library and EMBASE) and reference lists were searched from their establishment to August 30, 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ultrasound-guided with palpation-guided injection for plantar fasciitis. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool was used to assess the methodological quality. Outcome measurements were visual analogue scale (VAS), tenderness threshold (TT), heel tenderness index (HTI), response rate, plantar fascia thickness (PFT), hypoechogenicity and heel pad thickness (HPT). The statistical analysis was performed with software RevMan 5.2 and Stata 12.0. When I2<50%, the fixed-effects model was adopted. Otherwise the randomized-effects model was adopted. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Five RCTs with 149 patients were identified and analyzed. Compared with palpation-guided injection, ultrasound-guided injection was superior with regard to VAS, TT, response rate, PFT and hypoechogenicity. However, there was no statistical significance between the two groups for HPT and HTI.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroid tends to be more effective than palpation-guided injection. However, it needs to be confirmed by further research.

Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciopathy in adults: a case series

Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is a common source of pain and disability that is often refractory to conservative management. There are no uniformly effective standard-of-care treatments for chronic recalcitrant PF. Corticosteroid injection is considered a viable treatment option when traditional therapies fail, but is limited by suboptimal long-term efficacy and potential adverse effects. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging injection-based treatment for various chronic degenerative soft-tissue diseases. It is postulated to promote native tissue regeneration; however, consistent scientific evidence remains lacking. A prospective case series, including 24 consecutive PF cases, was conducted to report patient-rated pain and disability following PRP injection. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were the primary clinical outcome measure. Foot-Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (Foot-SANE) scores, Short Form-12 Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) questionnaires, and PRP treatment satisfaction surveys were secondary outcome measures. Statistical analysis compared baseline and 32 weeks post-injection time points. Patients receiving PRP injection reported clinically and statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures during this interval. There were no serious adverse events associated with treatment. PRP is considered a safe therapeutic option with the ability to decrease heel pain in patients with chronic PF refractory to appropriate conservative management.

Association between plantar fascia vascularity and morphology and foot dysfunction in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis

STUDY DESIGN

Single-cohort laboratory-based study.

OBJECTIVES

To identify whether plantar fascia vascularity and thickness are associated with foot pain and dysfunction in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis. Background Altered plantar fascia vascularity and thickening of the fascia have been identified in individuals with chronic plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients with chronic unilateral plantar fasciitis and 21 controls participated in this study. Proximal plantar fascia vascularization and thickness were assessed using ultrasound imaging, and pain and foot dysfunction were quantified with a visual analog scale and the Chinese version of the Foot Function Index, respectively. Paired t tests were used to assess the side-to-side differences in fascia thickness and vascularity index (VI) in the control and patient groups, and an unpaired t test was used to make comparisons with the patient group. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify whether the VI and fascia thickness were associated with pain and foot dysfunction.

RESULTS

There were significantly higher VI (mean ± SD, 2.4% ± 1.4%) and fascia thickness (5.0 ± 1.3 mm) values in the affected feet when compared with the unaffected feet in the patient group (VI, 1.4% ± 0.5%; fascia thickness, 3.3 ± 0.7 mm) and with the dominant side of the controls (VI, 1.6% ± 0.4%; fascia thickness, 2.9 ± 0.6 mm). After accounting for age, gender, body mass index, and duration of symptoms, the VI explained 13% and 33% of the variance in pain scores measured with a visual analog scale and the pain subscale of the Foot Function Index, respectively; the VI and fascia thickness explained 42% of the variance in the Foot Function Index.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis demonstrated significantly greater vascularity and thickened fascia on the affected side compared to the unaffected side and also to healthy controls. Fascia vascularity was associated independently with self-perceived pain, and both fascia vascularity and thickness were associated with foot dysfunction in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Public trials registry: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN49594569.

The comparison of the effect of corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis

INTRODUCTION

In this study, the results of local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids in the treatment of plantar fasciitis were compared.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients who were diagnosed as plantar fasciitis and treated conservatively for at least 3 months and had no response to conservative treatment modalities were involved in this study. The first 30 consecutive patients were treated by local injection of 2 mL of 40 mg Methylprednisolone with 2 mL of 2% prilocaine (metilprednizalone) and the second 30 patients were treated by injecting 3 mL PRP after 2 mL of 2% prilocaine injection. Patients were evaluated according to the modified criteria of the Roles and Maudsley scores and visual analog scale before injection and 3 weeks and 6 months following injection.

RESULTS

The mean VAS heel pain scores measured 6 months after treatment were 3.4 in steroid group and 3.93 in PRP group, and the scores in both groups were significantly lower when compared with pretreatment levels (6.2 in steroid group and 7.33 in PRP group). There was no significant difference between steroid and PRP groups in visual analog scale scores and modified criteria of the Roles and Maudsley scores measured at 3 weeks and 6 months (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that both methods were effective and successful in treating plantar fasciitis. When the potential complication of corticosteroid treatment was taken into consideration, PRP injection seems to be safer and at least having same effectivity in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

The correlation between plantar fascia thickness and symptoms of plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in plantar fascia thickness are a reliable gauge of efficacy of treatment protocols for plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Thirty-nine feet (30 patients) with plantar fasciitis received an ultrasound examination to measure the thickness of the medial band of the plantar fascia. Each patient assessed his or her pain using the visual analogue scale. Following various treatments, a second ultrasound examination was performed and the thickness of the plantar fascia was again measured and subjective pain level assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine feet (74.4%) showed a decrease in plantar fascia thickness and a decrease in pain. One foot (2.6%) experienced an increase in fascia thickness and reported an increase in pain. Four feet (10.3%) had an increase in thickness of the plantar fascia and reported no change in pain level. Three feet had minor increases in fascia thickness but reported a decrease in pain (7.7%). One foot (2.6%) had no change in fascia thickness but a decrease in pain and one foot (2.6%) had a decrease in the plantar fascia but no change in pain level. The average reduction in fascia thickness was 0.82 mm ± 1.04 mm, correlating with an average improvement in pain of 3.64 ± 2.7 (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that changing thickness of the plantar fascia is a valid objective measurement to assess effectiveness of new or existing treatment protocols.

Sonographically guided corticosteroid injection for treatment of plantar fasciosis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the effect of sonographically guided corticosteroid injection on the clinical and radiologic responses in patients with proximal plantar fasciosis.

METHODS

Thirty-one consecutive patients with unilateral plantar fasciosis were enrolled. A 4-cm 21-gauge needle was positioned in a caudocranial oblique manner, and the needle was withdrawn to the near edge of the fascia so that the solution dispersed around the edge. Two milliliters (20 mg/mL) of lignocaine/prilocaine, 1%, and 0.5 mL (20 mg) of methylprednisolone acetate solutions were injected separately. The plantar fascia and fat pad thickness, fascial echogenicity, and perifascial edema were assessed with a 10-5 MHz linear array transducer. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot scale was used to assess function, alignment, and pain. The initial radiologic and clinical measurements were compared with data obtained not less than 6 weeks after the injections.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease in the mean plantar fascia thickness was detected after treatment (P < .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the plantar fascia echogenicity before and after treatment (P = .11). A statistically significant decrease was found for perifascial edema (P < .0001), and a statistically significant increase in American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores was detected (P = .0007). There was no decrease in fat pad thickness (P > .1). Plantar fascia rupture was detected in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographically guided corticosteroid injection enables real-time imaging of the plantar fascia during needle insertion. A caudocranial oblique injection beneath the fascia may have an incremental value in the treatment response in patients with plantar fasciosis.

Intra- and interobserver reliability of quantitative ultrasound measurement of the plantar fascia

PURPOSE

To determine intra- and interobserver reliability and measurement precision of sonographic assessment of plantar fascia thickness when using one, the mean of two, or the mean of three measurements.

METHODS

Two experienced observers scanned 20 healthy subjects twice with 60 minutes between test and retest. A GE LOGIQe ultrasound scanner was used in the study. The built-in software in the scanner was used to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia (PF). Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LOA).

RESULTS

Intraobserver reliability (ICC) using one measurement was 0.50 for one observer and 0.52 for the other, and using the mean of three measurements intraobserver reliability increased up to 0.77 and 0.67, respectively. Interobserver reliability (ICC) when using one measurement was 0.62 and increased to 0.82 when using the average of three measurements. LOA showed that when using the average of three measurements, LOA decreased to 0.6 mm, corresponding to 17.5% of the mean thickness of the PF.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that reliability increases when using the mean of three measurements compared with one. Limits of agreement based on intratester reliability shows that changes in thickness that are larger than 0.6 mm can be considered actual changes in thickness and not a result of measurement error.

Adverse effects of extra-articular corticosteroid injections: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

To estimate the occurrence and type of adverse effects after application of an extra-articular (soft tissue) corticosteroid injection.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was made based on a PubMed and Embase search covering the period 1956 to January 2010. Case reports were included, as were prospective and retrospective studies that reported adverse events of corticosteroid injection. All clinical trials which used extra-articular corticosteroid injections were examined. We divided the reported adverse events into major (defined as those needing intervention or not disappearing) and minor ones (transient, not requiring intervention).

RESULTS

The search yielded 87 relevant studies:44 case reports, 37 prospective studies and 6 retrospective studies. The major adverse events included osteomyelitis and protothecosis; one fatal necrotizing fasciitis; cellulitis and ecchymosis; tendon ruptures; atrophy of the plantar fat was described after injecting a neuroma; and local skin effects appeared as atrophy, hypopigmentation or as skin defect. The minor adverse events effects ranged from skin rash to flushing and disturbed menstrual pattern. Increased pain or steroid flare after injection was reported in 19 studies. After extra-articular injection, the incidence of major adverse events ranged from 0-5.8% and that of minor adverse events from 0-81%. It was not feasible to pool the risk for adverse effects due to heterogeneity of study populations and difference in interventions and variance in reporting.

CONCLUSION

In this literature review it was difficult to accurately quantify the incidence of adverse effects after extra-articular corticosteroid injection. The reported adverse events were relatively mild, although one fatal reaction was reported.

Ultrasound guided injection of dexamethasone versus placebo for treatment of plantar fasciitis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Plantar fasciitis is the most commonly reported cause of chronic pain beneath the heel. Management of this condition commonly involves the use of corticosteroid injection in cases where less invasive treatments have failed. However, despite widespread use, only two randomised trials have tested the effect of this treatment in comparison to placebo. These trials currently offer the best available evidence by which to guide clinical practice, though both were limited by methodological issues such as insufficient statistical power. Therefore, the aim of this randomised trial is to compare the effect of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection versus placebo for treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Methods

The trial will be conducted at the La Trobe University Podiatry Clinic and will recruit 80 community-dwelling participants. Diagnostic ultrasound will be used to diagnose plantar fasciitis and participants will be required to meet a range of selection criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two treatment arms: (i) ultrasound-guided injection of the plantar fascia with 1 mL of 4 mg/mL dexamethasone sodium phosphate (experimental group), or (ii) ultrasound-guided injection of the plantar fascia with 1 mL normal saline (control group). Blinding will be applied to participants and the investigator performing procedures, measuring outcomes and analysing data. Primary outcomes will be pain measured by the Foot Health Status Questionnaire and plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasound at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. All data analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis.

Conclusion

This will be a randomised trial investigating the effect of dexamethasone injection on pre-specified treatment outcomes in people with plantar fasciitis. Within the parameters of this protocol, the trial findings will be used to make evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of corticosteroid injection for treatment of this condition.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN12610000239066.

Diagnostic imaging for chronic plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is a generalised term used to describe a range of undifferentiated conditions affecting the plantar heel. Plantar fasciitis is reported as the most common cause and the terms are frequently used interchangeably in the literature. Diagnostic imaging has been used by many researchers and practitioners to investigate the involvement of specific anatomical structures in CPHP. These observations help to explain the underlying pathology of the disorder, and are of benefit in forming an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the diagnostic imaging features associated with CPHP, and evaluate study findings by meta-analysis where appropriate.

Methods

Bibliographic databases including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SportDiscus and The Cochrane Library were searched electronically on March 25, 2009. Eligible articles were required to report imaging findings in participants with CPHP unrelated to inflammatory arthritis, and to compare these findings with a control group. Methodological quality was evaluated by use of the Quality Index as described by Downs and Black. Meta-analysis of study data was conducted where appropriate.

Results

Plantar fascia thickness as measured by ultrasonography was the most widely reported imaging feature. Meta-analysis revealed that the plantar fascia of CPHP participants was 2.16 mm thicker than control participants (95% CI = 1.60 to 2.71 mm, P < 0.001) and that CPHP participants were more likely to have plantar fascia thickness values greater than 4.0 mm (OR = 105.11, 95% CI = 3.09 to 3577.28, P = 0.01). CPHP participants were also more likely to show radiographic evidence of subcalcaneal spur than control participants (OR = 8.52, 95% CI = 4.08 to 17.77, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This systematic review has identified 23 studies investigating the diagnostic imaging appearance of the plantar fascia and inferior calcaneum in people with CPHP. Analysis of these studies found that people with CPHP are likely to have a thickened plantar fascia with associated fluid collection, and that thickness values >4.0 mm are diagnostic of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, subcalcaneal spur formation is strongly associated with pain beneath the heel.