Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2010; 14(3): 334-343
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1254522
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Plantar Fascia: Imaging Diagnosis and Guided Treatment

Eugene G. McNally1 , Shilpa Shetty1
  • 1Department of Radiology, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
10 June 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Plantar fasciopathy is a common cause of heel pain. This article covers the imaging anatomy of the hindfoot, the imaging findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of plantar fasciopathy, plantar fibromas, trauma, Achilles tendonopathy, neural compression, stress fractures of the os calcis and other heel pad lesions. Thickening of the plantar fascia insertion more than 5 mm either on ultrasound or MRI is suggestive of plantar fasciopathy. Ultrasound is superior to MRI for diagnosis of plantar fibroma as small low signal lesions on MRI are similar to the normal plantar fascia signal. Ultrasound demonstrates low echogenicity compared with the echogenic plantar fascia. Penetrating injuries can appear bizarre due to associated foreign body impaction and infection. Achilles tendonopathy can cause heel pain and should be considered as a possible diagnosis. Treatment options include physical therapy, ECSWT, corticosteroid injection, and dry needling. Percutaneous US guided treatment methods will be described.

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Eugene G McNallyF.R.C.P.I. F.R.C.R. 

Department of Radiology, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre

Windmill Rd., Headington, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 7LD UK

Email: eugene.mcnally@gmail.com

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