Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Use of primary corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciopathy: is it time to challenge existing practice?

Kirkland, P. and Beeson, P. (2013) Use of primary corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciopathy: is it time to challenge existing practice? Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 103(5), pp. 418-429. 8750-7315.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is characterized by degeneration of the fascia at the calcaneal enthesis. It is a common cause of foot pain, accounting for 90% of clinical presentations of heel pathology. In 2009–2010, 9.3 million working days were lost in England due to musculoskeletal disorders, with 2.4 million of those attributable to lower-limb disorders,averaging 16.3 lost working days per case. Numerous studies have attempted to establish the short- and long-term clinical efficacy of corticosteroid injections in the management of PF. Earlier studies have not informed clinical practice. As the research base has developed, evidence has emerged supporting clinical efficacy. With diverse opinions surrounding the etiology and efficacy debate, there does not seem to be a consensus of opinion on a common treatment pathway. For example, in England, the National Institute for Clinical Health and Excellence does not publish strategic guidance for clinical practice. Herein, we review and evaluate core literature that examines the clinical efficacy of corticosteroid injection as a treatment for PF. Outcome measures were wide ranging but largely yielded results supportive of the short- and long-term benefits of this modality. The analysis also looked to establish, where possible, ‘‘proof of concept.’’ This article provides evidence supporting the clinical efficacy of corticosteroid injections, in particular those guided by imaging technology. The evidence challenges existing orthodoxy, which marginalizes this treatment as a secondary option. This challenge is supported by recently revised guidelines published by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons advocating corticosteroid injection as a primary treatment option. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(5): 418-429, 2013)
Subjects: R Medicine > RD Surgery > RD563 Podiatry
Creators: Kirkland, Paul and Beeson, Paul
Publisher: American Podiatric Medical Association
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Podiatry
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Podiatry
Date: September 2013
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 418-429
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Volume: 103
Number: 5
Language: English
ISSN: 8750-7315
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/5844

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item