title: Plantar heel pain.
abstract: Plantar heel pain is a common complaint encountered by orthopedic surgeons, internists, and family practitioners. Although it is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, this is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other mechanical, rheumatologic, and neurologic causes must be considered first. The history and physical examination are typically all that is needed to make the proper diagnosis, but diagnostic adjuncts are available to assist the clinician. When plantar fasciitis is diagnosed, conservative modalities must be tried first. Corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy may also be used. After 6 months of failed conservative treatments, surgical intervention should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, 255 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Apartment 1214, Albany, NY 12206, USA. Electronic address: Andrewjrosenbaum@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rosenbaum
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, 255 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Apartment 1214, Albany, NY 12206, USA.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: DiPreta
authors.affiliation: Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics, 149 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Misener
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019468:Disease Management; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006365:Heel / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D036982:Heel Spur / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015612:Phonophoresis; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
keywords: Baxter nerve; Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy; First branch lateral plantar nerve; Heel spur; Plantar fascia; Plantar fasciitis; Plantar heel pain; Windlass mechanism