This blog will deal with plantar fasciitis. It will include brief information on the plantar fascia and plantar fasciitis, what causes this condition, how to manage or treat it for healing, and a general recovery timeframe.
The plantar fascia is a strong piece of connective tissue, functioning as a ligament that connects the heel bone to the bases of all five toes. It provides support to the arch and acts as a stabilizer of the foot. Unlike muscles or tendons, it cannot stretch when pulled or stressed.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by painful micro tearing of the fascia fibers. Contrary to its name, it is not a true inflammation but rather damage to the collagen fibers that make up the ligament, resulting in small tears. This condition can occur at the insertion point of the heel bone (resulting in heel pain) or anywhere along the fascia toward the ball of the foot. Typically, the pain worsens upon initial weight bearing after periods of rest, such as upon waking in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting.
There are multiple causes of plantar fasciitis. Overpronation with arch drop is a common contributing factor. Other causes include tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon, overuse from high intensity physical activities like sports, abnormal foot biomechanics, increased weight over time such as obesity, and commonly, poorly made or worn out shoes.
Treating plantar fasciitis should begin with shoes and inserts.
Shoes serve as the foundation for the body and provide support to the feet. Inappropriate footwear is often a contributing factor to plantar fasciitis. Poorly made shoes can lead to overpronation, which places stress on the fascia, resulting in micro tears in the fascia and pain. On the other hand, well made, supportive shoes can reduce pronation and alleviate fascial stress, particularly when combined with supportive insoles or inserts.
Other treatments for plantar fasciitis include stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, physical therapy, steroid injections and orthotics. In severe cases, wearing a walking boot may be prescribed, with surgery considered as a last resort.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to heal?
The answer varies greatly, ranging from a few weeks to many months.
Generally, the longer a person has plantar fasciitis, the longer it may take to heal. So, it is better to treat it as soon as possible. In some cases, if detected early, plantar fasciitis can become painless within a week or two with the use of better shoes and insoles. Sometimes, it can become painless with a steroid injection within a few days, though this is uncommon.
If plantar fasciitis persists for many months before treatment begins, it may take months for the condition to heal. In addition, the underlying cause can impact healing time. For instance, if weight is the issue, it can take quite some time until it is resolved. On the other hand, if overpronation is the cause, proper shoes and inserts can heal it fairly quickly, as in weeks.
How can you tell if plantar fasciitis is getting better?
It all comes down to the symptoms. When the pain improves, you are getting better.
Typically, the pain felt later in the day tends to improve before the pain experienced upon waking, though this isn't always the case. Since there are no external signs, such as swelling, to gauge improvement, healing is assessed based on the intensity of pain and eventual absence of pain. If you can resume normal activities without pain, you're on the road to recovery.
Find Relief from plantar fasciitis with Orthofeet’s footwear
Plantar fasciitis is a very common diagnosis, but it can be prevented. Wearing proper shoes and using inserts is the best way to reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Orthofeet shoes and inserts are a great choice and the recommendation of my office in many cases. I wear them myself, as does my wife.
Orthofeet shoes and inserts are highly recommended by my office in many cases, and I personally wear them, as does my wife. They serve as an excellent treatment modality for plantar fasciitis. These products are well-made and biomechanically appropriate, effectively reducing pronation and other abnormal biomechanical forces.
The firm and stable heel counter helps control heel motion and reduces pronation. The shoes are also deep enough to accommodate inserts or orthotics if needed. All footwear comes with a supportive insert, and Orthofeet also manufactures a true non-custom orthotic, called BioSole Gel, which is highly effective for plantar fasciitis.
