Introduction

Heel pain accounts for a large number of patient visits to foot and ankle specialists. The most common cause of this heel pain is “plantar fasciitis” (also known in some circles as “heel spur syndrome”) [1]. More than two million Americans receive treatment for plantar fasciitis each year [2]. Patients classically complain of intense heel pain after periods of rest that improves with activity. Fortunately, plantar fasciitis is treatable. 65% to 95% of patients suffering from plantar fasciitis respond to conservative (non-surgical) therapies [3]. When conservative measures fail, surgery may be the necessary alternative to alleviate the pain.