Plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. It is usually caus ed by a biomechanical imbalance resulting in tension along the plantar fasc ia. The diagnosis is typically based on the history and the finding of loca lized tenderness. Treatment consists of medial arch support, anti-inflammat ory medications, ice massage and stretching. Corticosteroid injections and casting may also be tried. Surgical fasciotomy should be reserved for use i n patients in whom conservative measures have failed despite correction of biomechanical abnormalities. Heel pain may also have a neurologic, traumati c or systemic origin.