Recommendations for

PLANTAR FASCIOPATHY
IN RUNNERS
Based on Physio Edge 060 Plantar fasciopathy in runners -
Imaging & education with Tom Goom @tomgoom

1 Imaging in plantar fasciopathy

If a patient is responding to treatment and their
symptoms are well localised, imaging will not alter
management, and is not indicated. Imaging may be
indicated in patients unresponsive to treatment,
or with symptoms suggestive of bone stress
injuries, nerve involvement or tumour (which may
present with constant unremitting pain).

2 Ultrasound 3 MRI
MRI is sensitive, and
a. Ultrasound is sensitive at may help to rule out
other pathology. MRI
evaluating the plantar fascia
and nerve entrapment. should be used if
Thickening of the plantar more detail is
fascia by 60-70% on required after
ultrasound is typical of ultrasound imaging
plantar fasciopathy or if the patient
presents with

b. Calcaneal heel spurs

symptoms of bone
stress injury or
identified on US or XR tumours
may not be related to
plantar fasciopathy as
they are a common
finding in asymptomatic
patients.

4 Patient education
a. When discussing plantar fasciopathy to b. Reassure the patient that once the plantar
patients we should aim to dethreaten the fasciopathy is stable progressively loading
pathology. The explanation can incorporate the tissues will strengthen the plantar fascia
the explanation that as tissues have been and help to resolve symptoms.
overloaded they have become swollen and
sensitive to load.

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clinicaledge.co @davidkpope