Survey of knowledge about anatomy and management of plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the anatomical knowledge, understanding of pathology and clinical practice perception of Plantar Fasciitis amongst Clinicians, Podiatrists and Allied Health Professionals. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey consisting of nine multiple choice questions was compiled and distributed amongst orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, podiatrists, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals throughout the UK to ascertain the following: a) Anatomical knowledge, b) Practice setting, c) Clinical management strategies Results: There were 76 responses from Orthopaedic surgeons (28.9%), Radiologists (34.2%), Podiatrists (17.1%), Physiotherapists (14.5%), and other Allied Health Professionals (5.3%) from different settings across the UK. 56.6% chose the central band as the most affected in Plantar Fasciitis, while 43.4% picked the medial band. In the practice setting, 46.1% answered that their site of injection is central, with 47.4% injecting the medial site. Corticosteroids are the most common treatment modality for injection with 64.5% answers, while 26.3% do not use injection as a treatment. Conclusion:There is a wide variation between health professionals regarding the pathoanatomy of Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a very common musculoskeletal problem with a high rate of prevalence in the community and contributes to long-term morbidity and poor quality of life. An approach involving the education and enhanced circulation of the characteristic pathoanatomic knowledge of PHP will lead to a better understanding and management of this common condition.