Plantar Heel Pain Management: A Survey of UK Registered Healthcare Professionals

BACKGROUND: Multiple healthcare professions are involved in the management of plantar heel pain (PHP). Professional diversity can lead to varied practice and treatment choices. Understanding PHP management can aid clinical benchmarking, inform knowledge mobilisation strategies, and may support shared decision making between patients and referrers. This study explored the management of plantar heel pain by United Kingdom (UK) registered healthcare professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional, online survey using the Jisc Online Surveys platform. The survey was distributed to UK healthcare practitioners via digital channels, including professional bodies, special interest groups and social media. RESULTS: Four hundred and six professionals responded, predominantly podiatrists (181; 44.6%) and physiotherapists (144; 36.5%). The remaining 18% comprised orthotists, osteopaths, orthopaedic surgeons, General Practitioners (GPs), nurses, rheumatologists, sport and exercise rehabilitation specialists, and a consultant in sport and exercise medicine. Most respondents (247; 60.8%) did not commonly use imaging to guide PHP management. The majority (359; 88.4%) provided physical interventions: strengthening (88%), stretching (85.5%) and balance (65.2%) were frequently used. Prefabricated orthoses (56.3%) were more frequently used than custom orthoses (24.2%). Treatments employed by podiatrists and physiotherapists were similar. Advice on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (226; 83%), and simple analgesics (e.g., paracetamol) (221; 81%) to manage pain was commonly provided. Only 6.4% frequently performed steroid injections. Patient information was commonly provided (359; 88%); however, most practitioners (297; 83%) lacked resources in languages other than English. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals in the UK favour exercise and prefabricated orthoses when managing PHP.