Orthonotes
Orthonotes
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Plantar Fasciitis

Degenerative fasciosis (not true 'itis') of the plantar fascia origin at the medial calcaneal tubercle due to repetitive micro‑trauma. Classic history: sharp 'first‑step' pain on arising or after rest; eases with a few minutes of walking, recurs after prolonged standing. Risk factors: tight gastrocnemius–soleus, cavus or planus foot, prolonged standing, obesity, running/sudden training change. Exam: point tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle; positive Windlass test (pain with 1st MTP dorsiflexion standing). Imaging: X‑ray may show heel spur but is non‑diagnostic; ultrasound shows thickened fascia (>4 mm) with hypoechogenicity; MRI only if atypical or recalcitrant. Treatment ladder: activity modification, calf/plantar fascia stretching, heel cups/orthoses, NSAIDs, night splints → ESWT/PRP or limited corticosteroid injection → surgery (partial plantar fasciotomy ± gastrocnemius recession) after ≥6–12 months failed conservative care.

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Degenerative fasciosis (not true 'itis') of the plantar fascia origin at the medial calcaneal tubercle due to repetitive micro‑trauma. Classic history: sharp 'first‑step' pain on arising or after rest; eases with a few minutes of walking, recurs after prolonged standing. Risk factors: tight gastrocnemius–soleus, cavus or planus foot, prolonged standing, obesity, running/sudden training change. Exam: point tenderness at medial calcaneal tubercle; positive Windlass test (pain with 1st MTP dorsiflexion standing). Imaging: X‑ray may show heel spur but is non‑diagnostic; ultrasound shows thickened fascia (>4 mm) with hypoechogenicity; MRI only if atypical or recalcitrant. Treatment ladder: activity modification, calf/plantar fascia stretching, heel cups/orthoses, NSAIDs, night splints → ESWT/PRP or limited corticosteroid injection → surgery (partial plantar fasciotomy ± gastrocnemius recession) after ≥6–12 months failed conservative care.
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Question 1

What is the most common cause of heel pain in adults?

Question 2

Which of the following is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis?

Question 3

What is the primary pathophysiological change in plantar fasciitis?

Question 4

Which test is most useful in diagnosing plantar fasciitis?

Question 5

What is the most consistent biomechanical risk factor associated with plantar fasciitis?

Question 6

What imaging study is most appropriate for confirming a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis?

Question 7

Which of the following treatment options is considered first-line for plantar fasciitis?

Question 8

What is the role of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of plantar fasciitis?

Question 9

Which of the following conditions is most likely to present with a burning sensation and tingling in the foot?

Question 10

In plantar fasciitis, heel spur formation is considered to be: