Are conventional treatments effective for patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy? – A review of the literature

Abstract

Currently, it is not clear which intervention, physiotherapy, podiatry, pharmacological treatment, or surgery best stimulate a healing response. While there is no consensus among orthopaedic clinicians regarding the best treatment for PF, many authors recommend exhausting conventional treatment options typical of Physiotherapy and Podiatry (exercise, orthotics, manual therapy, tape, acupuncture, night splints) before proceeding to extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), injection therapy or surgery [5]. The advantages of a conventional approach include lower associated costs and less risk of complications such as infection, rupture, fat pad atrophy, osteomyelitis or nerve damage when compared to injection or surgery [6,7].