From the Research
Statin therapy is not recommended for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, as there is no evidence to support its effectiveness in improving this condition. The primary use of statins, such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin, is to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk, not to treat musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions like plantar fasciitis 1.
Standard Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
The standard treatment for plantar fasciitis includes:
- Rest
- Ice
- Stretching exercises
- Proper footwear with good arch support
- Night splints
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen For persistent cases, corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or in rare cases, surgery might be considered 2, 3.
Pathophysiology of Plantar Fasciitis
The pathophysiology of plantar fasciitis involves microtears and inflammation in the plantar fascia due to repetitive stress, which is not directly addressed by the mechanisms of action of statins. While statins do have some anti-inflammatory properties, these properties have not been shown to benefit plantar fasciitis specifically 4, 5.
Recommendation
The most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis is a combination of corticosteroid injections and controlled training, including strength training and stretching 3. This approach has been shown to be superior to other treatments, including physical therapy and orthotics, in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis.