Diagnosis and Management of Plantar Fasciitis in Primary Care

Patients with foot pain present to their primary care providers for treatment. Plantar fasciitis is easily diagnosed based on history and exam with little to no need for diagnostic testing. Initial treatment is conservative and is easily initiated in the primary care office, with the focus on alleviation and resolution of the foot pain. Initial treatment modalities include taping, icing, proper footwear, stretching, and rest. When pain persists, other modalities include night splints or referrals to physical therapy and podiatry or orthopedic or sports medicine for a corticosteroid injection.