What Do I Do If My Plantar Fasciitis Doesn’t Get Better?

 

Why does my heel hurt?

 

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that occurs as a result of sports-related activities such as running or jumping. It may also be due to poor footwear choices or odd foot mechanics.

When you first put weight on your foot, you’ll usually feel pressure in the bottom of your foot. When you first wake up in the morning, you can experience this.

 

 

What are some treatment options for plantar fasciitis?

 

  • RICE: Conservative treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis will also be used to relieve discomfort until more advanced treatment options are explored. RICE, or rest, freezing, compression, and elevation, is a technique for improving circulation, numbing pain, and reducing inflammation.
  • Orthotic Inserts: Orthotics designed specifically for plantar fasciitis not only cushion the foot, but also raise the heel and arch, preventing heel spurs (a common source of pain in plantar fasciitis) from digging into the heel. Get doctor-recommended orthotic inserts by clicking here.
  • Night Splints: A night splint, which gently and securely stretches the heel and arch as you sleep, will help relieve morning pain.
  • Self-Massage: Rolling a mobility ball or golf ball under your heel and arch with gentle pressure will increase blood flow and relieve pain.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Available Over-the-Counter (OTC): Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, may be used to relieve pain and inflammation as required. When taking these medications long-term, make sure to follow the dosing directions and consult your doctor, as overuse can affect the stomach lining.
  • Stretching: A number of heel and foot stretches can increase arch stability and strength while also reducing morning pain.

 

 

How long do you think the pain will last?

 

Plantar fasciitis is most often caused by a series of accidents over time. Within a few weeks of therapy, you will be in less pain. However, it will take some time for the pain to subside completely. It could take anywhere from a few months to a year.

Stick to the recovery plan. If you don’t, you might experience constant pain while standing or walking. Your feet will stop hurting faster if you start treatment right away.

 

Heel Pain Prevention

 

There are a few things you can do to stop having plantar fasciitis or to keep it from coming back. Lose weight if you’re overweight. Warm up with the stretching exercises mentioned above before working out or engaging in sports. Choose shoes with arch support and heel cushioning. If you already have plantar fasciitis, you can do exercises that stretch the Achilles’ tendon and calf muscles in addition to stretching the plantar fascia.

 

Consult the doctor if the pain persists

 

If home care isn’t working, seek professional assistance. Your doctor will determine whether or not the discomfort you’re experiencing is caused by plantar fasciitis, and can also warn you if it isn’t.

That’s the tough part, since other things will cause pain in your feet’s bottoms. So, if you’re really in pain after a few days of trying to relieve it, see your doctor.

 

 

Are You Looking for a Sports Medicine Physician to Treat Your Plantar Fasciitis?

As you know, the plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.  Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of this tissue, which can cause a stabbing pain usually felt at the heel.  Dr. Chen sees patients with plantar fasciitis at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions.  Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!

 

 

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