About Plantar Fasciitis - Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Treatment

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fascia is a thick band of ligaments that runs from the heel to the toes. These ligaments provide an arch to your foot and support your body weight while walking, standing, or running. While walking, the Plantar Fascia stretches to provide a comfortable grip on your foot to bear your body weight. When you apply a lot of pressure on your foot, the fascia of your heel stretches more than its normal position causing Plantar Fasciitis.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

The most common symptom of Plantar Fasciitis includes pain at the bottom of the heel or in the lower part of the mid-foot. Some other symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include –

• The pain from fasciitis develops slowly over time
• Stiffness and inflammation can be experienced
• Unable to use stairs or walk for a longer time
• Forceful walking can result in pain & stiffness in the other foot
• Some people experience a burning sensation in the lower part of the heel
• Severe pain after taking the first step in the morning or after standing for longer hours

What are the stages of Plantar Fasciitis?

• Stage 1 – Inflammation

  The first stage is inflammation, which occurs when there is an irritation or injury to the fascia ligament. This can cause pain and swelling in the area where it attaches to your heel bone.

• Stage 2 – Scar Tissue Formation

  If Plantar Fasciitis goes untreated, it can progress to scar tissue formation in the ligament. This scar tissue causes further pain and stiffness in the area where it attaches to your heel bone.

• Stage 3 – Chronic Condition

  If left untreated for more than 3 months, Plantar Fasciitis can become a chronic condition that requires more aggressive treatments such as steroid injections or surgery.

When should you visit an orthopedic doctor for Plantar Fasciitis?

When Plantar Fasciitis is in its earlier stages, it can be treated through heat and cold therapy but if the pain in the heels doesn’t go away with time, you need to consult an orthopedic doctor. Some reasons you need to book an appointment with an orthopedic doctor include –

• Continuous pain in the heel for more than 2 months
• Experiencing fever with pain, numbness and redness in the heel
• Heat & cold therapy are not effective for your heel pain
• Difficulty in walking, standing for a longer time or exercising
• Heel pain worsens during the morning after taking the first step after waking up

If you are showing these common symptoms, you must book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon immediately at Cure My Knee. Get a consultation with an experienced doctor that specializes in treating all the problems related to the foot and ankle. Book an appointment at 8800040372 now.

How to cure Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis can be treated by various methods. Your orthopedic doctor will ask you for some diagnostic tests that consist of imaging tests and physical tests. After diagnosis, your doctor will suggest the best treatment method depending on the severity and stage of your problem. To cure Plantar Fasciitis, your orthopedic doctor may suggest –

• Ice therapy and pain relievers - You can use an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time and repeat it 3 to 4 times a day along with certain medicines that will help you to relieve your foot pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling
• Physiotherapy - The Plantar Fascia , the Achilles tendon, and the calf muscles are the three areas that physical therapists stretch which will help in easing the pain.
• Braces and Splints - Braces and Splints help to keep your foot in a flexed position and lengthen the Plantar Fascia overnight. Foot braces and splints are not very expensive to use. You can buy a good quality brace at Ortho Care Products which provides high-quality stretchable and cushion braces for your foot.
• Shoe- inserts - The shoe inserts provide the foot with support and lessen the strain on the Plantar Fascia ligament.

Does Plantar Fasciitis require surgery?

In most cases, Plantar Fasciitis can be treated without surgery. The vast majority of people with Plantar Fasciitis will find relief from their symptoms with conservative treatment methods, such as rest, stretching, ice therapy, medicines and physiotherapy. However, in some rare cases where conservative treatments have failed and the pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis is severe and persistent, surgery may be suggested.

The surgical procedure typically involves releasing a portion of the Plantar Fascia from the heel bone to relieve tension and pressure on the affected area. Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis is usually only recommended as a last resort and is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief over an extended period of time.

What are the worst things to do with Plantar Fasciitis?

There are certain activities you must avoid if you are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. It includes –

• Avoid jumping or running in case of severe pain
• Don't spend a lot of time standing still
• Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes
• Do not walk bare feet for a longer time (your foot needs cushioning and support)
• Do not overwork in pain. Rest properly and stay off your feet
• Avoid wearing high heels or any footwear that puts extra strain on the feet

What are the signs that indicate Plantar Fasciitis is healing?

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that develops over time and takes several weeks or months to heal completely. However, there are some signs and symptoms that you can notice while your Plantar Fasciitis is healing. It includes –

• Reduction in pain
• Improvement in mobility
• Reduction in stiffness
• Reduction in swelling
• Improvement in energy levels

It's important to note that healing from Plantar Fasciitis can be a slow process, and it's important to be patient and consistent with your treatment method. If you have any doubts or questions you can consult with an orthopedic doctor.