Does Plantar Fasciitis Go Away?
Is pain and inflammation in the arch and heel of your foot making daily activities uncomfortable? Do you find the symptoms are often worse after prolonged periods of rest, such as first thing in the morning, or after standing for a long time? Do the symptoms ease when you start to move? It could be down to an issue with your plantar fascia.
This thick band of tissue runs from your heel to your toes along the bottom of your foot. It supports muscles in your foot, deals with some of the shock that travels up your feet when moving, and helps to keep the arch sturdy.
Due to several possible factors, this tissue can become inflamed and irritated, which is known as plantar fasciitis, and it can cause a variety of symptoms.
The plantar fascia plays an important role in actions such as walking, running, squatting, and jumping. So, when it becomes swollen and sore, it can have a significant impact on your life. Read on time out if plantar fasciitis goes away and what you can do about the condition.
The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is generally the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis. This can range from mild to severe pain and is usually felt on the bottom of the heel or along the inner side of the base of the foot. The pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, and burning, and typically improves with rest but returns after resuming activity.
Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:
- Tenderness in the affected area.
- Swelling or redness underneath the foot or around the heel.
- Stiffness and reduced mobility that worsens when walking or standing for extended periods of time.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops because the soft plantar fascia becomes damaged, which is often in the form of microscopic tears. This is typically due to the tissue being overstretched.
Plantar fasciitis can be categorised into two types. These are:
- Acute, which typically involves an injury that causes the damage to the plantar fascia.
- Chronic, which is when the condition worsens over time without necessarily having a specific event as the base cause.
This condition can affect you no matter your lifestyle or general health, and the inflammation and irritation that results in plantar fasciitis may occur because of various triggers.
The triggers may include:
- Overuse, such as a sudden increase in a training routine.
- Performing the same type of movement with the foot repetitively, such as running.
- Regularly standing for extended periods of time.
- General wear and tear.
- Regular or continued pressure on a weakened plantar facia.
Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis can include:
- Wearing inappropriate, unsupportive shoes.
- Being overweight.
- Ageing.
- Tight calves or Achilles’ tendon.
- Flat feet.
- High arches.
Does Plantar Fasciitis Need Treatment?
In most cases, plantar fasciitis requires treatment for a quicker and long-term recovery. The condition can resolve by itself, but this may take many months, turning into a chronic issue that is harder to treat.
An added concern alongside the pain and the risk of further damage to the plantar fascia if the condition is left untreated is the way you may alter how you walk to accommodate for the discomfort and stiffness. These changes may result in issues elsewhere in your body, such as back, hip, or leg pain. Altering your movement might also increase your falls risk and the chance of sustaining a different injury, such as a twisted ankle.
Subsequently, if you are experiencing pain in the area of the plantar fascia, it can be beneficial to consult a doctor or a physio to acquire professional assessment and guidance.
How Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Treated?
At Midland Podiatry, we regularly treat plantar fasciitis. After assessment and diagnosis, we develop a personalised treatment plan that may include some of the following options:
- Rest.
- Ice or heat therapy.
- Prescription of strengthening and mobilisation exercises and stretches.
- Manual therapy, such as massage and stretching.
- Shock wave therapy.
- Low-level laser treatment.
- Acupuncture.
- Strapping or braces.
- Orthotics.
- Advice regarding footwear and lifestyle habits.
Midland Podiatry Can Help Make Your Plantar Fasciitis Go Away
Plantar fasciitis generally does not need to be a long-term issue. The condition typically responds to treatment well and steps can be taken to prevent it returning, such as ensuring the correct shoes are worn and your legs and feet are kept strong, supple, and flexible.
Our team can help to improve the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis and get you back to doing the activities you love and need to do. If you are experiencing pain and reduced mobility, please contact us to make an appointment.
