Whether plantar fasciitis is crippling can depend on how much it is affected by the person. If the condition is not treated, it can be worse than it was before. However, there are ways to treat the pain and prevent it from worsening.
Treatment options
Typically, patients with plantar fasciitis have pain when they first stand up in the morning, or after they stand for a prolonged period of time. They may also complain of more pain when they sleep or sit.
Injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Some people may also have corticosteroid shots, which are injected directly into the plantar fascia.
Another option is extracorporeal shockwave therapy, which uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing. This procedure is used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis.
Physical therapy can also help. A physical therapist can show patients how to perform stretching exercises that will reduce their symptoms. In addition, they may offer massage and ice treatments.
The use of custom orthotics is another way to strengthen the foot. This can also be done at home. These devices take pressure off the plantar fascia and the arch of the foot.
Symptoms
Often the first sign of Plantar Fasciitis is pain in the heel. However, this painful condition can also develop in the arch of the foot. If left untreated, it can have serious implications.
It is important to seek treatment for Plantar Fasciitis as soon as you notice symptoms. In fact, you may be surprised at how quickly it can develop. This condition can affect your ability to walk and even your knees.
In severe cases, Plantar Fasciitis can cause you to experience extreme pain most of the time. You can also have a negative impact on your mobility and quality of life. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek the help of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
In some cases, the pain can be temporary. For instance, you may feel relief from your Plantar Fasciitis symptoms after doing a low-impact exercise. You can also try icing the affected area. This helps to reduce the pain and can be done three to four times a day.
Treatment time depends on occupation
Unlike other types of pain, the treatment for plantar fasciitis is not a one-size-fits-all approach. In some cases, home remedies may be helpful, but for a complete recovery, professional care is needed.
For milder cases, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can be effective. If pain persists, a doctor may recommend prescription anti-inflammatory drugs or stronger medications.
Cortisone injections are also useful. These provide temporary relief from pain, but they can also damage the fat pads in the foot, causing degeneration. Steroids can help the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. However, they can also cause a rupture of the plantar fascia.
Another noninvasive treatment for plantar fasciitis is radiofrequency therapy. This method stimulates the blood flow to the area, and promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). It is recommended for cases that cannot be treated by steroid injections, but it can take up to a week for the effects to be felt.
Pain gets worse after a night of rest and healing
Getting out of bed in the morning can be a challenge for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. Although it’s not uncommon for people with this condition to experience pain when walking, there are some simple things you can do to help relieve your pain and speed your recovery.
It’s no secret that wearing a good pair of shoes can help keep your feet comfortable. If you’re on your feet all day, you may need to update your footwear on a regular basis.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more serious, it’s probably best to go see a podiatrist. These doctors can determine if you have a more serious condition and suggest the best treatment for you.
It’s a good idea to get your feet checked out, especially if you’ve been experiencing heel pain for some time. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you’ve had a broken bone, a torn ligament or other issue that might require surgery.
Ignoring it can lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems
Usually, plantar fasciitis is treated with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs. In mild cases, a change in walking pattern can help. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a strong and thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It absorbs the shock from walking. When the fascia becomes overloaded, it tears, causing painful symptoms.
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain when walking, standing or sitting. In addition, the pain can be accompanied by other signs, such as calcium deposits on the plantar fascia. The condition is most common in people aged 40 to 60. It affects about 10 percent of the UK population.
Plantar fasciitis is commonly diagnosed by a physician by performing a thorough foot examination. The doctor will also check the tenderness and location of the pain.
