Expert Insights On Emerging Treatment Advances: Introduction
There is no question that heel pain is one of the most common conditions we see and treat in podiatric practice. In order to provide appropriate treatment, one must have a strong understanding of the different etiologies that may come into play. In particular, plantar fasciosis has been the subject of frequent debate and discussion in recent years. With this in mind, we conveyed a roundtable discussion of leading podiatrists to discuss this topic.
We began the roundtable forum by discussing the importance of differentiating between plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciosis. The panelists offered an overview of key clinical signs. They shared their insights on what they look for in the clinical exam and what imaging modalities they have found useful.
The panelists proceeded to review their clinical experience with traditional treatment approaches ranging from conservative options, such as stretching exercises, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and orthotics, to extracorporeal shockwave therapy and the endoscopic plantar fasciotomy.
The roundtable forum also features an in-depth discussion of the emergence of Coblation® therapy within the armamentarium of treatment options for plantar fasciosis. The panelists discuss patient selection for this procedure and offer key pearls for maximizing the effectiveness of Coblation technology.
The roundtable panelists also consider the potential use of Coblation technology in helping to treat other conditions such as tendinosis and second metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) pathology.
I would like to thank the panelists for sharing their experience and insights. I would also like to thank ArthroCare
for its support of this endeavor. Hopefully, the insights generated in this discussion will further illuminate key
considerations in the treatment of plantar fasciosis and facilitate improved outcomes for our patients.
— Kim Eickmeier, DPM
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