Plantar Fasciopathy

While it is true that plantar fasciopathy (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain, its pathogenesis is currently not well understood (Schleip, 2012). The literature does, however, report a number of factors that may increase the risk of developing PF (Petraglia et al. 2017; Hamstra-Wright et al. 2021).

Often, patients do not seek primary health care advice until their symptoms have already become chronic (Monteagudo et al. 2018). However, impaired foot function and walking ability affect overall health and may explain the reduced general quality of life in patients with PF (Irving et al. 2008).

It is important to note, however, that approximately 90% of patients with PF will find that their symptoms resolve within 12 months with conservative treatment (Crawford et al. 2003). The objective of this module is to provide a detailed overview of new findings regarding the etiology of PF, its risk factors, and the latest recommendations for its diagnosis and management.