Current RMA Instruments:

Changes from previous Instruments:

SOP Bulletin 238

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.