Plantar fasciitis causes sharp or burning heel pain, especially with your first few steps each morning. You might be tempted to power through the pain or hope that it disappears on its own; however, the reality is that without intervention and proactive management, plantar fasciitis can persist and worsen over time.
You’re not alone though. It’s a common condition we see here at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic.
Read on as Aamir Mahmood, DPM, discusses why waiting for your plantar fasciitis to go away on its own isn’t the best strategy and what you can do instead to find relief and regain your mobility.
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of your plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. You might suspect you have plantar fasciitis if each step causes a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel. It can be particularly painful in the morning or after starting to walk after periods of rest.
While it’s true that some medical conditions do benefit from a “watch and wait” approach, it isn’t always the right path for every ailment. Delaying medical care can delay the time you need to get started with the right treatment.
Delayed podiatric care can also lead to chronic pain. Plantar fasciitis rarely resolves on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain that affects your ability to walk, exercise, or even perform simple daily tasks.
Ignoring the condition can lead to changes in your gait or posture, which may result in secondary issues, such as knee, hip, or back problems. This is because your feet are part of your kinetic chain, and what affects your feet can have ripple effects on the rest of your body.
Chronic pain and secondary complications can diminish your overall quality of life, limit your activities, and cause frustration and discomfort.
Instead of powering through the pain, talk to us! If you have any type of foot pain, Dr. Mahmood can confirm the source of your pain and create an appropriate treatment plan based on your definitive diagnosis. Your potential treatments may include:
Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can help provide arch support and cushioning, reducing the stress on your plantar fascia.
Dr. Mahmood may also suggest physical therapy. Specific exercises stretch and strengthen your calf and foot muscles, which is especially nice if you experience tight calf muscles as one of your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Toe curls, tennis ball rolls, and toe extensions are just a few of the many stretches and exercises that benefit your plantar fascia. When these muscles are strengthened, it can help to alleviate pain and prevent future flare-ups.
In addition to adding stretches to your routine, it’s also important to eliminate (or at least reduce) high-impact activities while you heal. Always choose footwear with proper arch support and cushioning, and if you work aerobics or run, be sure to gradually ease into your regimen. Adding too many high-impact activities too quickly can increase your risk of injuries, including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and shin splints.
In some cases, non-prescription anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Always take medication as directed by Dr. Mahmood.
Wearing night splints that keep your foot dorsiflexed (bent backward) can help stretch your plantar fascia and reduce morning pain. There are many different types and brands of night splints, but Dr. Mahmood can guide you with the right choice for you.
If conservative measures don’t bring enough relief, medical procedures like corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or minimally invasive surgery may be beneficial.
Plantar fasciitis doesn't disappear on its own, and ignoring it prolongs your pain and increases your risk of secondary issues. Instead, take proactive steps to address the condition.
To say goodbye to plantar fasciitis, call the location of your choice, Michigan City and Chesterton, Indiana, or Lombard, Illinois, and explore your treatment options for plantar fasciitis.
