Current RMA Instruments:
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 82 of 2023 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 83 of 2023 |
Changes from previous Instruments:
ICD Coding:
- ICD-10-AM Codes: M72.2
Brief description:
The plantar fascia is a fibrous connective tissue structure that spans the bottom of the foot and supports the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common disorder and the most common cause of heel pain. Most cases of plantar fasciitis are self-limiting and will resolve within a year, with or without treatment. Calcaneal spur may develop as a consequence of the periosteal inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis or it may be unrelated. In either event it is generally an asymptomatic, incidental radiological finding.
Confirming the diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually made on the clinical presentation. Radiological imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI) can be useful to rule out other causes of heel pain.
The relevant medical specialist is an orthopaedic surgeon.
Additional diagnoses that are covered by these SOPs:
- Nil
Conditions not covered by these SOPs
Calcaneal spur# - N.I.F. (No Incapacity Found)
Calcaneal stress fracture* - Fracture SOP
Metatarsalgia - Non-SOP or Morton’s metatarsalgia SOP
Plantar fibromatosis * Plantar fibromatosis SOP
* another SOP applies - the SOP has the same name unless otherwise specified
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the clinical onset can be back-dated to the time of onset of typical symptoms (pain under the heel, worse with walking).
Clinical worsening
The usual course of plantar fasciitis is for improvement or resolution over a period of 6 months to a year. Worsening could be manifest by an increase in symptoms or signs, increased restriction of activity, or prolongation of the condition beyond the usual course.