The Sonographic Evaluation of Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Backgrounds and Objectives: There is currently no objective reliable diagnostic test for plantar fasciitis (inflammation of plantar fascia) in as much as diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of finding a heel spur on radiography (x-ray). Ultrasound is an excellent tool for evaluating common ankle problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the sonographic features of Plantar Fasciitis (PF). Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 36 patients with heel pain and the physical characteristics of PF. In addition, 36 asymptomatic matched volunteers were recruited as a control group and were examined to provide a baseline as to the normal appearance of the plantar fascia. Sonographic examinations were performed with a commercially available scanner. The heel fat pad thickness was also measured. Results: The significant increase was observed in plantar fascia thickness, heel fat pad thickness, Heel pain, Morning Pain, Daily pain severity, Morning pain severity, weight, and BMI in patients with PF comparing with the control group (P < 0.05). Plantar fascia thicknesses in conjunction with calcaneus were 6.24 ± 1.12 and 2.76 ± 0.88 mm in case and control groups, respectively; this different was statistically significant (P = .0001). Conclusion: Since the MRI is the modality of choice in the morphologic assessment of different plantar fascia lesions, sonography can also serve as an effective tool and may substitute MRI in the diagnosis of PF.

Keywords: Plantar fasciitis, Sonography, Plantar fascia thickness