8 FAQs About Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis which is characterized by discomfort in the bottom of the heel or foot is one of the most frequent foot injuries. Some of the most frequently asked questions about this illness are included below.

1. What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia—a long, thin ligament that links the heel to the front of your foot—is irritated or inflamed in plantar fasciitis (fashee-EYE-tiss). The plantar fascia's job is to support your feet ' arches while also absorbing the stresses and strains of daily life. 

When too much pressure is applied to the feet, however, the plantar fascia can be injured and torn. People with very high arches or flat feet, tight ankles and calf muscles, or who frequently engage in repetitive impact activities such as running or other sports may be more susceptible to plantar fasciitis.

2. What Are the Signs of Plantar Fasciitis? 

You will have discomfort and stiffness in the heel if the plantar fascia gets irritated. The discomfort might vary from subtle aches to acute pains or scorching feelings. It may appear quickly after engaging in a particular activity or it may develop gradually over time. If you have plantar fasciitis, discomfort in the soles of your feet may be severe in the morning, after standing or sitting for a long time, and/or after climbing stairs.

3. Does Plantar Fasciitis Ever Go Away?

The bad news is that, depending on their foot architecture and treatment regimen, some patients may never fully treat plantar fasciitis. The good news is that with proper rest and therapy, the majority of patients with plantar fasciitis may and do recover completely.

4. How Long Does it Take for Plantar Fasciitis to Heal? 

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic  Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics, around 95 percent of persons with plantar fasciitis can recover without surgery, and the majority of people can recover within a year. People can recover in as little as a few days or as long as several years in some circumstances. As a general rule, the sooner someone begins treatment, the faster they will recover.

5. Does Ice Help Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Applying ice to the plantar fascia on a daily basis can help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation. A water bottle and a golf ball can be used to ice the plantar fascia. Both can be rolled beneath the arch of your foot to assist in massaging various parts of the bottom of your foot.

6. Is Stretching Bad for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be treated with certain stretches. Propping your toes on a wall and stretching your toes while maintaining your arch and heel flat is a stretch that is often prescribed for patients with plantar fasciitis. 

This can be performed three or four times per day for a total of 10 seconds. Stretching can help your plantar fascia become more flexible and the muscles that support your arch grow stronger. If you're going to execute these stretches, make sure you don't do them just after you've iced your muscles, since straining cold tendons might cause more pain.

7. What is The Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be treated in a variety of ways, including reducing inflammation and pain, allowing the torn fascia to heal, improving strength and flexibility to prevent future damage, and allowing you to resume normal activities. Stretching, icing, massaging your feet, taking anti-inflammatories, wearing orthotics or other types of shoes, and resting are all examples of at-home remedies. Plantar fasciitis may require surgery in rare circumstances.

8. Do I Have to Visit a Doctor for Plantar Fasciitis?

Although some people may be able to recover from plantar fasciitis with at-home therapies, it is normally recommended that you seek medical help if the pain persists beyond three weeks. A sports podiatrist may offer physical therapy or prescribe orthotics, foot tape, cortisone injections, night splints, or anti-inflammatory medicines. Your doctor can also perform tests such as x-rays and other imaging studies to establish that your foot discomfort is caused by plantar fasciitis and not something else.