What happens if you leave plantar fasciitis?
The majority of individuals experiencing plantar fasciitis will typically experience improvement within a few months by following conservative treatments like resting, applying ice, and taking pain relievers. Nonetheless, there are cases where more intensive measures such as physical therapy or receiving steroid injections in the heels might be necessary. You can find additional information on plantar fasciitis treatments here.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, the initial step involves obtaining a comprehensive overview of your foot pain by taking a detailed history. The doctor will inquire about your occupation, walking patterns, and any other factors that could potentially be related to your symptoms. In cases where symptoms are particularly intense, a physical examination will also be conducted. The doctor will closely examine the arch of your foot to determine whether there is any swelling, redness, or pain. If necessary, they may also recommend getting x-rays done to eliminate other possible conditions that could be causing the pain. For more information about plantar fasciitis, please click here.
The foot, being one of the largest and most vital parts of your body, plays a crucial role in your daily life. Any discomfort or pain in this area can significantly impact your overall well-being and limit your day-to-day activities. In fact, when your feet are not functioning optimally, it can hinder your level of physical activity and even prevent you from engaging in exercise altogether, affecting your overall health and fitness.
When you put weight on your feet, the plantar fascia, a strong and fibrous tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, gets inflamed. The resulting pain is felt as your foot strikes the ground each time you step.
Over time, repeated stress on your plantar fascia can result in small tears or ruptures. These “micro-injuries” may not be obvious at the start, but if left untreated they will gradually grow in size and number.
Often, if you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and your symptoms have not improved after several months of conservative care, it is time to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will provide you with a thorough physical evaluation and prescribe the appropriate medication to alleviate your pain and inflammation.
Then, your podiatrist can recommend exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and other muscles of your lower leg to increase flexibility and decrease pressure on the fascia. These may include calf stretches, stretching the Achilles tendon, and applying athletic taping to support the bottom of your foot.
If your symptoms are still bothersome after a few weeks of treatment, you might be ready for surgery. Your podiatrist can offer a surgical procedure called an arthrodesis that will reattach the plantar fascia to your heel bone. This procedure can help reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis and allow you to return to your activities.
You’ll need to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. The procedure is not always successful and can lead to complications such as a bunion and other issues that could be difficult to treat.
Your podiatrist will also recommend changes in your lifestyle to help ease your pain and discomfort. These may include keeping a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, and modifying your activities to reduce strain on your feet.
When you do exercise, make sure to warm up before doing any activity that puts a lot of stress on your feet. It’s also important to choose shoes that support your feet and cushion your heel.
