A 78-year-old male patient suffering from chronic heel pain on weight-bearing experienced a sharp pain with snapping sensation in the plantar aspect of the right heel after prolonged walking. The patient walked with an antalgic gait and physical examination revealed local swelling at the calcaneal attachment of the plantar fascia.
Ultrasound (US) demonstrated a full-thickness tear of the plantar fascia at its calcaneal insertion with a 1,3 cm gap at the site of rupture filled with slightly hypoechoic liquid and tissue reflecting local haemorrhage, oedema and inflammation in the surrounding soft tissues. Retraction and heterogeneity of the ruptured plantar fascia were noted as well as a plantar calcaneal spur.
Plantar fascia (PF) disorders result from overuse microtrauma and are aggravated by foot deformities, improper footwear, increased body mass index and weight-bearing physical activities [1]. PF tears are rare and can be divided into acute-on-chronic and acute tears [1,2]. In acute-on chronic cases, the PF tear result as complication of plantar fasciitis (previous steroid injections are a reported risk factor) and usually occur in the proximal fascia [1,3,4]. Acute tears are related to forcible plantar flexion of the foot in competitive athletes and commonly occur distal to calcaneal insertion of the PF[1. Imaging can assist in the diagnosis and rule out other heel pathology. A PF tear should be suspected in the case of sudden heel pain during a weight-bearing activity in a patient with a positive history of plantar fasciitis and/or local corticoid injection. Imaging is of utmost importance for confirming the diagnosis as well as determining the location and severity of the tear (partial or complete).
US findings of plantar fasciitis include increased calibre of the plantar fascia to over 4 mm; loss of reflectivity of the fascia; entheseal new bone formation, including spur formation (a non-specific finding); in severe cases, perifascial collections[1]. The US characteristics of PF tear include complete or partial interruption of the PF and hypoechoic tissue in the region of rupture due to inflammation/haemorrhage. US is superior to MRI in differentiating true fibre tears from oedema [4]. Furthermore, dynamic manoeuvres allow confirmation of a complete tear by demonstrating a gap between the torn parts of the PF[5]. MRI findings of acute PF tear are complete or partial interruption of the low signal of the PF and signal changes at the site of lesion including high signal on fluid-sensitive sequences and intermediate signal on T1-weighted sequences[1]. Plain radiographs add little to the diagnosis of plantar fascia tear but are helpful to rule out concomitant fractures or foot deformities[1,6].
Demonstration of PF tears on imaging is important because treatment differs from plantar fasciitis.
Treatment is based on the severity of the tear and usually involves immobilization and thrombosis prophylaxis, nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy with a focus on eccentric training [2,6]. Surgical repair is performed only in a few cases of major tears [2,6].
PF tear should be considered in the presence of suggestive clinical history and physical examination. US is a reliable imaging modality to confirm and localize the injury.
Complete plantar fascia tear
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Ultrasound imaging shows a noticeable discontinuity of the plantar fascia (PF) near the calcaneal insertion in the right heel, with localized areas of low-echo or anechoic segments suggesting disruption of fascial fibers. Surrounding soft tissues exhibit swelling and mixed echogenicity, possibly related to local inflammation, fluid collection, or hemorrhage. The plantar fascia is thickened (exceeding the normal thickness of about 4 mm), and the echotexture is disordered at the calcaneal attachment. These findings suggest a potential acute tear superimposed on chronic inflammation or overuse injury.
Considering the patient’s age (78 years), history of chronic heel pain, sudden onset of a “tearing” sensation in the plantar area, and ultrasound findings of fascial fiber disruption, the most likely diagnosis is: “Acute Plantar Fascia Tear (Acute on Chronic Plantar Fascia Injury)”.
Based on the extent of the tear, the following management is recommended:
Special Precautions: Elderly patients often have osteoporosis, reduced cardiopulmonary function, and other chronic conditions. Exercise prescriptions must be carried out under professional guidance, progressing gradually to prevent falls and related complications.
Disclaimer: This report offers a referential analysis and is not a substitute for an in-person consultation or professional physician’s advice. For a specific treatment plan, please consult an orthopedic or rehabilitation specialist.
Complete plantar fascia tear
