Quantitative scintigraphy in diagnosis and management of plantar fasciitis (calcaneal periostitis): concise communication.

We have found that Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate imaging of the heel is of diagnostic value in the "painful heel syndrome," permitting positive identification of the site of inflammation in cases where radiography is unhelpful. With this technique, tracer uptake in the heel is susceptible to quantification, allowing a serial and objective assessment of response to therapy.