Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It is often described as a sharp or stabbing pain that is worse in the morning and after periods of rest. The pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
While the condition is more common in people who are older, who have jobs that require standing or walking for long periods of time, and who participate in high-impact sports like running or basketball, there are many potential causes of plantar fasciitis, including:
- overuse or strain on the foot
- being overweight
- having flat feet or high arches
- wearing shoes with poor support
So, does plantar fasciitis go away?
The short answer is yes. However, it often takes time and proper treatment. The most important thing you can do to manage plantar fasciitis is to rest your foot and avoid activities that cause pain. This may mean taking a break from sports or limiting the amount of time you spend standing or walking.
Home Remedies
Ice can be helpful in temporarily reducing inflammation and pain. Seek guidance from your podiatrist or doctor on how to best use ice for your pain and inflammation from plantar fasciitis. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen can also provide some relief.
Stretching exercises can also be beneficial in helping to alleviate pain and prevent the condition from returning. Some common stretches include the calf stretch, the plantar fascia stretch, and the toe stretch. It is important to do these stretches regularly, as they can help to lengthen the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle, which can reduce the strain on the plantar fascia. Always seek medical advice from your podiatrist or GP before beginning any new stretching, exercise, or treatment regime as every case is unique.
If these self-care measures do not provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend alternative treatment options. This may include physical therapy, shockwave therapy, custom orthotic inserts for your shoes, or corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue or repair any damage to the plantar fascia.
It is important to keep in mind that plantar fasciitis can take time to heal, and it may take several weeks or months to see improvement. However, with the proper treatment and a bit of patience, the condition can go away so you can get back to your normal activities.
In conclusion, plantar fasciitis is a common and often painful condition that affects the heels and bottom of the foot. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse, poor footwear, and certain medical conditions. While it may take time and proper treatment, plantar fasciitis can go away with rest, ice, stretching, and possibly more aggressive treatments like physical therapy or surgery. If you are experiencing heel pain, call us now on 03 9191 0117 or book in online.
