Is there a connection between tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and plantar fasciitis?

No Connection Between Tongue Tie and Plantar Fasciitis

There is no established connection between tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and plantar fasciitis based on current medical evidence.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain characterized by:

• Pain that is particularly severe with the first few steps in the morning or after periods of rest 1, 2
• Tenderness to palpation at the proximal plantar fascial insertion on the anteromedial calcaneus 1
• Non-radiating pain in the proximal medioplantar surface of the foot 1

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

The established risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• Limited ankle dorsiflexion 1
• Increased body mass index (obesity) 1, 2
• Prolonged standing 1
• Excessive foot pronation 2
• Excessive running 2
• Sedentary lifestyle 2

None of the medical guidelines or research evidence mentions tongue tie as a risk factor or having any association with plantar fasciitis.

Diagnostic Approach for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is primarily diagnosed through:

• Clinical history and physical examination 1, 2
• Imaging is rarely needed for initial diagnosis 2
• When imaging is necessary, the following are recommended:
  • Radiographs as initial imaging, though typically insensitive for fasciitis 3
  • Ultrasound showing increased plantar fascia thickness and hypoechoic changes 3, 4
  • MRI for recalcitrant cases, considered the most sensitive imaging study 3

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically includes:

• Initial conservative approaches:

  • Stretching of the plantar fascia 1, 5
  • Ice massage 1
  • NSAIDs 1
  • Activity modification 2, 6
  • Orthoses that lift and cushion the heel 6

• For persistent cases:

  • Physical therapy modalities 2
  • Night splinting 2
  • Corticosteroid injections (though may increase risk of fascia rupture) 2, 6
  • Platelet-rich plasma injections 4, 6
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy 1, 4
  • Surgical intervention for recalcitrant cases 1, 4

Important Clinical Considerations

• Approximately 90% of patients improve with conservative treatment within 12 months 1, 6
• The condition is more accurately described as plantar fasciopathy rather than fasciitis, as it involves degenerative processes rather than inflammation 1, 4
• Early intervention generally leads to faster resolution of symptoms 5
• Ultrasound is becoming a standard imaging technique for diagnosis and can also guide therapeutic interventions 4

Conclusion on Tongue Tie and Plantar Fasciitis

Based on comprehensive review of medical guidelines and research evidence, there is no documented connection between tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and plantar fasciitis. The conditions affect entirely different anatomical regions with no established pathophysiological link between them.