The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. You may feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning, or after sitting for long periods of time. The pain may lessen as you walk around, but it will usually come back after resting.
Other symptoms include:
- Heel pain that gets worse with activity – walking, running, or standing for long periods of time
- Heel pain that gets worse when you wear shoes with poor arch support or cushioning
- Pain in the bottom of your foot that feels better after stretching or massage
- Swelling and inflammation in the heel
- A hard lump on the bottom of your heel (known as a bone spur)
Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination.
Your doctor may ask you to describe exactly where your foot hurts and how long you’ve had the pain.
They may also ask about any previous injuries or health conditions that could be causing your pain.
If your doctor thinks you might have plantar fasciitis, they will likely order an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually starts with simple, conservative measures, such as stretching exercises, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ice.
If these treatments don’t provide relief after several weeks, your doctor may recommend more aggressive measures, such as orthotic devices or corticosteroid injections.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to release the tension on the plantar fascia.
Recovery from plantar fasciitis can take several months, but most people experience significant relief from pain within a few weeks of starting treatment.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
The treatments for plantar fasciitis usually start with simple, conservative measures. These include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Shoe inserts or orthotic devices
- Ice packs
If these treatments don’t provide relief after several weeks, your doctor may recommend more aggressive measures, such as:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Shock wave therapy (a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing)
- Surgery
How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
Recovery from plantar fasciitis can take several months, but most people experience significant relief from pain within a few weeks of starting treatment.
What are the complications of plantar fasciitis?
If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, it can lead to other problems, such as heel spurs or a loss of flexibility in your foot. In rare cases, plantar fasciitis can also cause chronic pain and disability.
How can I prevent plantar fasciitis?
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including:
- Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning
- Stretching your calves and Achilles tendon before exercise
- Warming up before participating in any activities
- Increasing your activity level gradually
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Conclusion – Plantar is a common condition that causes heel pain. It is usually treated with conservative measures, such as stretching and ice. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Recovery from plantar fasciitis can take several months, but most people experience Relief within a few weeks.
