The article highlights the diagnostic challenges of superficial foreign bodies in the foot and advocates for increased clinical suspicion in cases of unexplained plantar pain.StrengthsClinical Relevance: The case underscores a common but often overlooked cause of foot pain, emphasizing the need for thorough examination in patients with persistent symptoms.Educational Value: The discussion differentiates between foreign body retention and plantar fasciitis, providing useful insights for clinicians.Practical Management Approach: The article promotes a simple, effective technique (diagnostic needle probing) for foreign body removal, which can be performed in outpatient or even field settings.Anatomic and Pathophysiologic Explanation: The paper clearly explains why small foreign bodies in the thick plantar stratum corneum may evade detection while still causing pain during weight-bearing.WeaknessesLimited Generalizability: The report describes a single case, which may not represent broader clinical experiences. Lack of Imaging – No initial X-ray or ultrasound was performed, which could have confirmed the foreign body’s presence earlier.Lack of Imaging Evidence: The article mentions that no X-ray examination was performed initially, and the post-removal images were taken only for analysis. Including imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI) could have provided stronger evidence of the foreign body’s presence and location.Insufficient Discussion of Complications: Although the article briefly mentions potential complications of retained foreign bodies (e.g., infection, abscess, osteomyelitis), it does not delve deeply into these risks or discuss preventive measures beyond societal management of metal scraps.Potential Bias: The patient was a physician who self-diagnosed and treated, which may not reflect typical patient behavior.Suggestions for Improvement: Add high-quality images about: The anatomical layers of the foot affected by the foreign body; The probing technique used for diagnosis and removal; Post-removal healing progress.Discuss Differential Diagnosis in Greater Detail: Provide a more comprehensive overview of conditions that mimic plantar fasciitis, along with tips for distinguishing them clinically.