Discovering you have plantar fasciitis is a bummer. It causes pain, limits your mobility, and can even render you unable to wear your favorite shoes. Once a patient is diagnosed with this condition, one of the first questions they ask is, “How long does plantar fasciitis last?” As it ends up, there isn’t a straightforward answer.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This condition is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the feet, such as from running or dancing. It can also be caused by obesity, improper footwear, or tight calf muscles.
What Problems Does Plantar Fasciitis Cause?
The main problem caused by plantar fasciitis is pain. The pain typically occurs in the heel of your foot and can radiate out to other parts of your foot. You may also experience difficulty walking or running due to the pain. Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Swelling
- Heel spurs
- Tenderness or stiffness in the morning
How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Last?
The length of time that you will experience symptoms from plantar fasciitis can vary. In some cases, the condition may resolve with treatment. However, in other cases, the pain may persist for an extended period of time. There is no one definitive answer as to how long plantar fasciitis can last. In some cases, it can be for life.
What Treatment Is Available for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you develop plantar fasciitis, you aren’t stuck dealing with the pain. In fact, there are a variety of treatments available for plantar fasciitis. Some common plantar fasciitis treatments in Marietta include:
- Resting your foot
- Applying ice
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Wearing supportive shoes or inserts
- Physical therapy
How Can I Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
If you have experienced plantar fasciitis in the past or are genetically preconditioned to develop it, you might be curious about how you can prevent it from occurring in the future. There are a few things that you can do to help prevent plantar fasciitis. Some tips include:
- Stretching your foot before and after exercise
- Wearing supportive shoes when exercising
- Avoiding high heels
If you have any other questions about plantar fasciitis, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia. We would be happy to help!
Click to get 6 Tips to Prevent Foot Pain.
