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Economic burden of plantar fasciitis treatment in the United States.
Tong KB, Furia J.
Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2010 May;39(5):227-31.

 

This is one subject I hoped I would never see in my profession - quantifying the financial cost of a condition. Seems to me that of late, everything has a "cost valuation" attached to it, whether it be an Icelandic volcano or a goal (or lack of one) by a football team, a weather event or anything else that we do or encounter in our daily lives. What next? Should we prioritise our care according to the condition with the greatest negative financial impact - or should we treat every patient equally, irrespective of the impact their condition has on the economy of the area/country whetre they reside? Is it just me or does anyone else feel increasingly detached from the global addiction to the accumulation of money and wealth?

 

Mark:

I don't know why this should be so startling. Cost analysis of most other serioius health conditions is commonly performed.....just never heard of it being done for plantar fasciitis.

So when you are shopping to have your automobile serviced, Mark, cost is not a factor? Or are you of the philosophy that every vehicle deserves the best care available, regardless of time and expense?:cool::drinks

 

It's a question of values, Kevin. Comparing an inanimate object like an automobile - to that of a fellow human being is like comparing chalk and cheese in my book. But I guess we all have different values and priorities in life, my friend.

 

Hi Everyone

Evaluating the cost effectivness of plantar fasciitis is not novel. We produce an article back in 2004:
Rome K, Gray J, Gray J, Stewart F, Hannant S, (2004): Feasibility study to evaluate the clinical and cost effectivenss of foot orthoses in the management of plantar heel pain. Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association 94: 229-238.

I believe that looking at cost effectivenss of non-surgical interventions is important for the profession as it illustrates to key stake holders and the public a justification of what we do best.

 

I'll bet my good friend, Keith Rome, understands the analogy. Hey Keith....we were talking about you today (textured insole study) at the Western Podiatry Conference in Anaheim, California today....were your ears burning?

Mark.....didn't you ever see the TV Series, "My Mother the Car"?? OK....I'm really dating myself now. That was 1965-1966....most of you weren't even a twinkle in your parents' eyes back then!:eek::eek::eek:

 

Oh I was up and running back in 1965, Kevin, but we didn't have a television then. In fact, we didn't get electricity in Scotland until the mid-1970s although we did manage to install mains water sometime in 1968, which was quite an advance at the time. ;) The first American sit-com I can recall was "Here's Lucy".....

It's an interesting discussion - the "value" of people in society. If I have time over the weekend I'll quote some Alan Bennett on the subject.

 

Couldn't agree with you more Keith - have had to do just that with our commissioners last week. Wish I had read the paper beforehand!

(ps give me a shout next time you are anywhere near the North East if you have time for a pint)
David Liddle