Plantar fasciopathy - also called plantar fasciitis - refers to pain along the proximal plantar fascia and its attachment in the area of the calcaneal tuberosity. Responsible for approximately 11% to 15% of all presentations for foot conditions, it is the most common source of plantar heel pain [1-2].

Untreated plantar fasciopathy can turn into chronic heel pain that significantly impedes normal activities. To mitigate pain in the foot, the patient may adopt changes in walking position, potentially leading to future foot, knee, hip, or back problems.

Plantar fasciopathy is attributable to mechanical overload on the plantar fascia and its enthesis of the calcaneal tuberosity [4]. Demanding physical activity, biomechanical faults, obesity, or work-related activity can cause microtears in the plantar fascia. Eventually, sustained, repetitive injury surpasses the body’s capacity to repair itself, leading to degenerative changes.

Recreational and elite runners are more at risk of developing plantar fasciopathy. However, the condition is also associated with several other sports and, more generally, with repeated stretching and contraction of the plantar fascia (incidence of 5% to 10%) [3]. Other causes include: 

• prolonged weight bearing; 
• obesity (BMI greater than 27 kg/m2); 
• unsuitable shoes;
• walking or running without preconditioning; 
• excessive pronation; 
• limited dorsiflexion of the talocrural joint. 
   

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