title: Plantar fasciitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this article we look at the aetiology of plantar fasciitis, the other common differentials for heel pain and the evidence available to support each of the major management options. We also review the literature and discuss the condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search  was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE(®). The following keywords were used, singly or in combination: 'plantar fasciitis', 'plantar heel pain', 'heel spur'. To maximise the search, backward chaining of reference lists from retrieved papers was also undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plantar  fasciitis is a common and often disabling condition. Because the natural history of plantar fasciitis is not understood, it is difficult to distinguish between those patients who recover spontaneously and those who respond to formal treatment. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is effective  in the small proportion of patients who do not respond to conservative measures. New techniques such as endoscopic plantar release and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may have a role but the limited availability of equipment and skills means that most patients will continue to be treated  by more traditional techniques.
authors.affiliation: James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 6LA, UK. stevenfrcs@hotmail.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cutts
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Obi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pasapula
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D008019:Life Style; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001798:Blood Proteins; D013256:Steroids; D001905:Botulinum Toxins