How Long Can Plantar Fasciitis Last?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fascia of the foot. Specifically, it is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Although it is more common in athletes, it can affect anyone.
In fact, as detailed in a publication in the Annals of Internal Medicine , in the United States there are 2 million patients with this ailment. In turn, it is the cause of 1 million visits to doctors in primary care. How is it treated? How long can it last?
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by degenerative irritation of the fascia of the foot. The latter is a band of connective tissue that runs from the calcaneus – a bone in the heel – to the bottom of the bones that make up the toes.
This structure has a very important function when walking. It is responsible for absorbing energy from the footprint to prevent the metatarsals, that is, the bones that make up the toes, from flexing inappropriately. In addition, it maintains the shape of the plantar arch, which gives stability and balance to the body.
Studies suggest that up to 10% of the population will have this condition at some point in their life. However, it is frequently seen in athletes. This is because your fasciae are subjected to more stress and load. Other risk groups are the following:
- People with cavus feet and flat feet.
- Women who wear very high heels.
- Overweight and obese people.
- Factory workers or whose profession involves standing for a long time.
What are your symptoms?
The predominant symptom is pain. This is not going to be of the same intensity or located in the same place in all people. The pain is often localized on the inside of the ankle. This point coincides with the insertion of the fascia in the calcaneus bone.
This pain is usually much more acute when taking the first steps after getting up. This occurs because during the night, with rest, the fascia shortens and, consequently, in the morning it is tighter.
Throughout the day, with activity, the pain becomes more bearable due to the re-stretching of the fascia. Finally, if during the day you become overloaded with excessive activity, at the end of the day the pain reappears more intensely. In long-lasting fasciitis, this pain becomes continuous and latent throughout the day.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis will be based on the clinical presentation of the person and on a physical examination carried out by the specialist doctor. The treatment of plantar fasciitis will be carried out from a series of measures. Some of the most important are the following:
- In the acute phases of pain, anti-inflammatories will be prescribed. It will be the specialist who decides the most suitable type and dose of anti-inflammatory.
- Sessions with different therapeutic techniques. According to the severity of the injury, and the person it affects, the physiotherapist will establish the sessions.
- Use of suitable footwear, both daily and when doing physical exercise.
- Maintaining an acceptable weight.
- The correct muscle and fascial stretching after carrying out any activity.
- The use of adapted insoles, in cases where the cause of fasciitis is the natural shape of the foot.
How long can plantar fasciitis last?
The duration of this injury can vary from person to person. In some cases, it can last a few weeks or even a few months. However, there are other occasions when the injury becomes chronic.
The pain becomes almost constant and can greatly worsen the quality of life of the person, by limiting their daily activity. When the injury becomes chronic, it can affect the knees, and even the hips and back, by destabilizing normal gait.
Therefore, it is important to see a specialist as soon as the first symptoms are perceived. Prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications.
What to remember about plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain can be the clinical manifestation of plantar fasciitis. Although it is often temporary and mild, in certain cases it becomes chronic and can affect the quality of life. Therefore, it is best to see a doctor whenever the injury is suspected. Timely treatment is essential to reduce its duration.
