Early Access to Virtual Resources for the Self-management of Plantar Fasciitis

This proof of concept and feasibility project will investigate the use of a self-help package of virtual resources for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The research will involve a small group of ten, shortly after participants are referred to Cardiff & Vale UHB podiatry service and join the waiting list.

The virtual resources will include short videos demonstrating ways of managing symptoms, such as gentle stretching exercises, and footwear recommendations. Participants will be given access to these resources to watch at their convenience. Patient reported outcome measures (foot pain, and quality of life) will be collated at baseline and periodically up to 6 weeks. Participants' acceptability of these resources will be assessed through interviews at the end of the six weeks.

The feasibility of conducting a future randomised controlled trial will be assessed by looking at recruitment rates, retention and any patient safety issues. It is hoped the long term benefit will be that participants joining the waiting list can engage with these resources at the earliest opportunity to help manage their symptoms.

This research is important because it presents an opportunity to work with participants at the start of joining a waiting list, and the benefits of early access to virtual resources could be applicable to a number of different health problems.

Inclusion criteria

-

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis by assessing podiatrist:
• Plantar medial heel pain: most noticeable with initial steps after a period of inactivity (post static dyskinesia) but also worse following prolonged weight bearing
• Pain with palpation of the proximal insertion of the plantar fascia, most commonly the medial calcaneal tubercle, the site of the plantar aponeurosis (Clinical pressure application to locate the most tender spot in order to anatomically describe the site).
• Symptomatic for PF for any time period
• ≥18 years of age
• Able to provide informed consent
• Access to internet

Exclusion criteria

• Diabetes or neuropathy
• History of systemic diseases such as inflammatory joint disease, rheumatic, autoimmune or neurological conditions.
• Chronic pain syndrome or lumbosacral radiculitis
• Pregnancy
• Orthopaedic surgery (spinal/ lower limb within the last year)
• Corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis in the last 6 months (prior to onset)
• Plantar heel pain related to fractures, tumours, infection, nerve entrapment or in the opinion of the assessing podiatrist confounded by any other medical condition
• Patient unable to complete exercises in self-help resources
• Unable to access internet