If you’re one of the many people suffering from plantar fasciitis, you know it’s a painful condition. The good news is that there are signs that the condition is healing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss seven signs that plantar fasciitis is on the mend. Keep reading to learn more!
What is plantar fasciitis?
Before we get into the signs that plantar fasciitis is healing, let’s first take a quick look at what plantar fasciitis is.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. The condition is often caused by repetitive motions (such as running) or shoes that don’t offer enough support.
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, you’ll likely experience pain in your heel or arch area.
Symptoms
- Severe heel pain is usually worse when you first get out of bed in the morning or after a long period of sitting
- Pain after standing or walking for a long time
- Loss of range of motion in the foot and ankle
- Sharp pain at the base of the foot that can be diffuse throughout the entire foot
- Chronic pain at the bottom of the foot
- Soreness at the heel pad
Causes
Several different things can cause plantar fasciitis, including:
- repetitive motions (such as running)
- wearing shoes that don’t offer enough support
- being overweight
- having high arches or flat feet
- having tight calf muscles or Achilles’ tendons
- pregnancy
- bone spurs
Treatment options
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can help you stretch and strengthen your foot and ankle muscles. This can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion.
Physical therapists are trained in treating plantar fasciitis and can help reduce the need for plantar fascia release surgery. In addition, they can provide support with electric stimulation, ultrasound for severe pain, and myofascial therapy to relieve tension at the plantar fascia.
Physical therapy can enhance the recovery process and support the normal healing process.
Orthotics
Orthotics are devices that you wear in your shoes to support your feet. They can help to distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
Orthotics are beneficial with chronic heel pain and chronic plantar fasciitis. By supporting the plantar fascia with an orthotic, the stress can be lifted from the Achilles tendon and connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Night splints
Night splints are devices that you wear while you sleep. They keep your foot stretched, which can help relieve pain and improve the range of motion.
Night splints put a constant stretch on the bottom of your foot and the Achilles tendon to help stretch the entire region throughout the night. In addition, night splints are an effective plantar fasciitis treatment.
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain. However, they are typically only used as a last resort, as they can cause side effects such as tissue damage.
Injections are an excellent option for severe plantar fasciitis pain and are especially effective in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy or orthotics.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Anti-inflammatory medication can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are usually the first line of treatment. However, several different treatment options are available if you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Surgery
Surgery for plantar fasciitis is a last resort and is only considered when other treatments have failed.
There are a few different surgical options for plantar fasciitis, all of which aim to release the plantar fascia.
Surgery is reserved for severe plantar fasciitis symptoms that have not responded to conservative care. Plantar fasciitis surgery may be necessary if there are bone spurs or nerve injuries. It is an outpatient procedure to release excessive stress and strain on the plantar fascia.
Plantar fasciitis recovery time
Plantar fasciitis recovery time is typically a few months with conservative treatment. However, some cases may take up to a year to fully heal.
With the proper treatment, most people experience a significant reduction in pain within a few weeks.
If you’re still experiencing pain after several months of treatment, you may want to consider surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases that haven’t responded to
If you’re still experiencing pain after one year, you may be a candidate for plantar fascia release surgery. However, surgery is typically only recommended for severe cases that have not responded to conservative care.
Signs your plantar fascia is healing
Improved range of motion
One of the signs that your plantar fascia is healing is improved range of motion. In addition, you should start to see a decrease in pain and stiffness and an increase in flexibility.
Mornings are better
Another sign that your plantar fascia is healing is that morning are better. You should find that the pain and stiffness you experience first thing in the morning start to improve.
Pain becomes localized
As your plantar fascia heals, the pain will become more localized. You may still experience some pain in the heel and arch, but it should be less severe and more manageable.
Inflammation decreases
Another sign that your plantar fascia is healing is that the inflammation will start to decrease. This can be difficult to notice on your own, but your doctor will be able to tell if the rash is going down.
You can walk further without pain.
One of the signs that your plantar fascia is healing is that you’ll be able to walk further without pain.
Tension lessens on the bottom foot
As your plantar fascia heals, you should notice a decrease in the tension on the bottom of your foot. It will be less tender to the touch, and the connective tissue will become softer.
Pain is less sharp
The pain becomes less sharp. The pain may still be there, but it will be a dull ache than acute, stabbing pain.
These are all signs that your plantar fascia is healing. However, if you’re still experiencing pain after several months of treatment, you may want to consider surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases that haven’t responded to conservative care. With the proper treatment, most people experience a significant reduction in pain within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plantar fasciitis take to go away?
Plantar fasciitis typically takes a few months to go away with conservative treatment. However, some cases may take up to a year to fully heal. If you’re still experiencing pain after one year, you may be a candidate for plantar fascia release surgery. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases that have not responded to conservative care.
Can plantar fasciitis heal in two weeks?
In some cases, plantar fasciitis can heal in two weeks. However, this is typically only if the condition is caught early and treated immediately.
What is the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis?
The fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to a speedy recovery.
NSAIDs with physical therapy or massage therapy may help to enhance the healing process and help get rid of pain quickly.
Does plantar fasciitis ever go away completely?
Yes, plantar fasciitis can go away completely. However, this usually takes several months of treatment with physical therapy, daily exercises, and proper support.
How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?
The recovery time for plantar fasciitis varies from person to person. In most cases, it takes a few months to recover from plantar fasciitis with conservative treatment. However, some patients may take up to a year to fully heal. If you’re still experiencing pain after one year, you may be a candidate for the plant.
How soon can I walk after plantar fasciitis surgery?
You may be able to walk the day after plantar fasciitis surgery. However, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and take things slowly at first. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks after surgery.
Do supplements help with plantar fasciitis?
There is no evidence that supplements help with plantar fasciitis. However, some people find relief by taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. You should always speak to your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter drugs.
Supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties or help to support the musculoskeletal system may have some mild effect.