From the Guidelines
Heel Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) treatment should focus on relieving pressure and managing symptoms, as there is no specific treatment mentioned in the provided evidence. The provided evidence does not directly address the treatment of heel DTI, but rather discusses the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain [ 1 ]. Heel pain treatment options may include open-backed shoes, orthoses, NSAIDs, decreased activity, stretching exercises, and weight loss (if indicated) [ 1 ]. However, these options may not be directly applicable to heel DTI, and a more individualized approach may be necessary. Some key considerations in managing heel DTI may include:
- Relieving pressure on the affected area
- Managing symptoms such as pain and discomfort
- Preventing further injury or complications
- Consulting with a specialist, such as a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon or a wound care specialist, for proper assessment and treatment planning [ 1 ]. It is essential to prioritize the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life when developing a treatment plan, even if the evidence is limited or indirect [ 1 ].
From the Research
Treatment for Heel Pain
The provided studies do not specifically mention the treatment for heel Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). However, they discuss the treatment for plantar fasciitis and plantar heel pain syndrome, which are common causes of heel pain.
- The treatment options for plantar fasciitis and plantar heel pain syndrome include:
- Conservative treatments such as rest, activity modification, ice massage, oral analgesics, and stretching techniques 2, 3, 4
- Physical therapy modalities, foot orthotics, night splinting, and corticosteroid injections 2, 3, 4
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy or plantar fasciotomy for chronic recalcitrant cases 2, 3, 4
- The effectiveness of these treatments varies, with some studies showing limited evidence for the effectiveness of certain interventions, such as topical corticosteroid administered by iontophoresis, injected corticosteroid, and low energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy 5, 6
- A staged approach to treatment, with progressively more aggressive interventions, may yield the best results 4
Treatment Effectiveness
- Corticosteroid injections are not more effective in the long-term treatment of plantar fasciitis than other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma or tenoxicam 5
- There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of orthotic devices, and they should be cautiously prescribed 6
- Stretching exercises and heel pads may be associated with better outcomes than custom-made orthoses in people who stand for more than eight hours per day 6