Fasciite plantaire. Le fascia plantaire comme source de douleur : biomécanique, signes cliniques et traitement

That plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain is beyond dispute. It is also by far the most common sports injury presenting to the office of the sports podiatrist and accounts for approximately 15 % of all foot related complaints. The term plantar fasciitis itself has been responsible for considerable confusion, since the condition usually presents as a combination of clinical entities, rather than the discete diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. For this reason, it may be preferable to consider the condition a syndrome, and alter the nomenclature to plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS). Despite its wide distribution in the sporting and general communities, there remains widespread debate on its aetiology and dissatisfaction with a lack of reliable treatment outcomes. This paper describes the unique anatomical and biomechanical features of plantar fasciitis which may in part explain its resistance to treatment. The history and physical examination are described along with potential differential diagnoses. Because plantar fasciitis is multi-faceted in nature, treatment may be directed at the wrong focus, resulting in poor outcomes and prognosis. The most common conservative management techniques are described, and a new, reliable method of taping is proposed.