How Do I Know If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, impacts every aspect of your daily life. This condition is both preventable and treatable, with the best results stemming from treatments and therapies prescribed by an experienced and knowledgeable podiatrist.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Your feet have an intricate system of several muscles that help you stand, walk, or run. The health of these muscles is crucial for your mobility to get from one place to another. The plantar fascia muscle is the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes, helping distribute your weight and pressure during movement. The health of this muscle is essential for performing everyday activities without foot pain. When it becomes inflamed by repetitive pressure or motion, it can lead to plantar fasciitis, negatively affecting your foot arches and the way you move on your feet.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The most frequent symptom of plantar fasciitis is stabbing heel pain, typically more significant in the morning or after long periods of sitting. Even though some physical activity can temporarily improve the pain, it can also commonly occur after spending a long time standing or walking.

What causes plantar fasciitis? Is it preventable?

When you have stress and tension on the fascia muscle that supports the arch of your foot from repetitive movements, you can develop plantar fasciitis. Some of the risk factors are

• Age - typically, people between 40 and 60 are at higher risk
• Certain exercises - activities like dancing or long-distance running are common sources of plantar fasciitis
• Pregnancy - the temporary added weight can cause strain on your feet
• Obesity - excess weight can put stress on the fascia muscles in your feet
• Physical attribute - flat feet or higher than average arches can cause atypical walking patterns and affect the weight distribution on your feet
• Occupations that require a lot of standing and walking - jobs like teaching, restaurant serving, and any other job that you are on your feet all day for can be an instigator

Can you treat plantar fasciitis naturally without surgery?

When your plantar fasciitis condition is minimal, you may experience relief from the symptoms using at-home methods like ice packs, over-the-counter pain relievers, shoe inserts, or foot stretches. However, surgery may be needed for a long-term resolution if your symptoms are severe or recur frequently.

Can a podiatrist fix plantar fasciitis?

When you consult a board-certified podiatrist, they will need to perform a comprehensive exam. They may order imaging (x-ray or MRI) to verify the severity of your plantar fasciitis. They may initially recommend non-surgical strategies. However, suppose those non-invasive treatment options are not helpful. In that case, the surgical solution is a procedure that lengthens the fascia muscle by creating an incision in the muscle, releasing the tension.

Is plantar fasciitis surgery painful?

The surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting and with general anesthesia or light sedation (twilight sleep), so there is no pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment, and there will likely be some pain and discomfort afterward. Following the aftercare instructions is essential to minimize this.

How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis surgery?

Because of the nature of the foot surgery, it can take several weeks before you fully recover to an improved function. The first two to three weeks require you to be completely non-weight-bearing on your surgically treated foot, and you will need to use aids like crutches, a wheelchair, or a rolling knee scooter to ensure this. After this stage, you can typically transition to a walking boot that helps reduce the pressure you place on your foot. Adhering to your doctor’s directions during this time and not overdoing it will be important so you don’t experience a longer recuperation time than necessary.

How long do the results of plantar fasciitis surgery last?

Surgical repair of plantar fasciitis can last for years and decades, depending on your lifestyle afterward. Minimizing the activities that cause the condition can increase the longevity of successful results.

How much does plantar fasciitis surgery cost?

Because this condition can affect your quality of life and is usually deemed medically necessary, most medical insurance plans cover some or most of the surgery cost. You can speak to the financial counselor at your podiatrist’s office to seek guidance on what to ask your insurance plan regarding coverage.

Step into your Best Life

Your feet are an essential part of you, and when they are affected by conditions like plantar fasciitis, it can diminish your mobility and quality of life. Working with a highly skilled podiatrist who can help address and treat this issue is the key to getting the spring in your step back and getting you back to living the life you want without foot pain.