Ultrasound elastography in the early diagnosis of plantar fasciitis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound (US) elastography is useful for the early diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed US elastography findings of 18 feet with a clinical history and physical examination highly suggestive of plantar fasciitis but with normal findings on conventional US imaging as well as 18 asymptomatic feet.ResultSoftening of the plantar fascia was significantly greater in the patient than in the control group [Reviewers 1 and 2: 89% (16/18) vs. 50% (9/18), P= .027, respectively].ConclusionUS elastography is useful for the early diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.