Plantar Fasciitis Complications and How to Avoid Them
posted: Feb. 24, 2022.
Plantar Fasciitis Complications and How to Avoid Them
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation and swelling of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the ligament that travels from the bottom of the foot to the heel. The condition is one of the most common foot issues in middle-aged adults.
The good news is most people treated for plantar fasciitis have their symptoms resolved. But the longer you go without treatment, the higher your risk of complications. Also, it may take longer for the healing process if you delay treatment.
Complications
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to possible complications, including the following:
Problems with running or participating in other sports: Plantar fasciitis can make doing sports activities, such as running, difficult because of the pain. Typically, pain from plantar fasciitis occurs after activity and not during. But over time, if left untreated, pain can become more constant.
Rupture of the fascia: If inflammation due to plantar fasciitis becomes severe, a possible complication is a rupture of the fascia. If you rupture the fascia, you may hear a “popping” sound and feel severe pain in your foot. It would also be difficult to bear weight on the injured foot. If this occurs, it is important to see a foot specialist immediately.
Plantar Fibromatosis: Plantar fibromatosis involves nodules that grow on the plantar fascia. The speed of the growth may vary. Usually, the nodules tend to grow slowly at first but may eventually grow faster and lead to pain.
Knee and hips pain: In some cases, untreated plantar fasciitis can change the way someone walks due to pain. When you change the way you walk, it can lead to further problems, such as pain in the hips, knees, and ankles.
Avoiding Complications
The best way to avoid complications of plantar fasciitis is to see a foot specialist when you have symptoms. It is important to recognize the warning signs and treat the condition early to reduce the risk of complications and more damage. Pain is often a warning sign that something is wrong with our bodies. Warning signs it is best to see a foot specialist include:
Heel pain, which is often worse in the morning
Pain after exercise, not during
Heel pain that does not improve with home treatment
Worsening pain
Heel pain that interferes with activity
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Often, home treatment is enough to reduce pain and symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The sooner home treatment starts, the better is it for reducing pain. Home treatment usually involves a combination of icing, stretching, and possibly wearing orthotics.
If home treatment does not help the problem within a few weeks, it is best to see a foot specialist. The most appropriate treatment plan may depend on how severe your symptoms have become and how long you have had pain. Treatment options may include:
Stretching
Your foot specialist may recommend certain types of stretching exercises to help stretch the lower legs or the feet to reduce pain. In instances where the condition is chronic, your foot specialist may recommend physical therapy.
Injections
Another option involves injections that contain steroids. Steroids reduce inflammation and pain. But the injections may only work for a certain number of months. It is still best to speak with your podiatrist to develop strategies to prevent a reoccurrence of symptoms.
Soundwaves
Soundwaves such as extracorporeal shockwave and radial pressure waves can reduce pain, inflammation and encourage healing without the side effects of medications and injections.
Surgery
Surgery is almost always a last resort to treat plantar fasciitis. In some cases, other treatment options are effective. If surgery is needed, your food specialist will discuss the options.
If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is best to see a podiatrist for an exam and possible treatment. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M at Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in Toronto.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846