Can Plantar Fasciitis Go Away On Its Own?

plantar fasciitis

Your foot has a long, thick tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs from your heel to your toes. This tissue supports your foot muscles and the arch. If you have pain in the bottom of your heel, you may have plantar fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

When the plantar fascia tissue is overstretched, microscopic tears can happen, causing inflammation and pain. This condition, called plantar fasciitis, is the most common source of heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Several causes of plantar fasciitis include:

A repetitive strain injury to the ligament that's located on the sole of the foot from:

  • Excessive running
  • Excessive walking
  • Inadequate, ill-fitting, or high-heel shoes
  • An injury from a bad landing after a jump
  • Flat feet
  • High arch
  • Tight Achilles tendons

What is the Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

Non-surgical options for treating plantar fasciitis are typically tried first by doctors. The goal is to decrease the inflammation and avoid repeat or further injuries. Non-surgical treatments can include:

  • Icing the affected area
  • Foot massage
  • Physical therapy focusing on stretching exercises
  • Cortisone injections
  • Proper footwear with cushioned insoles
  • Orthotic shoe inserts

If non-surgical methods are not successful, plantar fasciitis surgery may be the best option. The most common type of surgery removes the fascia off your heel bone. Afterward, you'll wear a boot or splint and stay off the foot during recovery.

What Happens if Plantar Fasciitis Goes Untreated?

Complications can arise if you leave plantar fasciitis untreated. You can develop chronic heel pain that stops you from going about your regular activities. Also, you may change the way you walk to compensate for the heel pain, which can lead to knee, foot, back, or hip problems.

How Can You Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Home?

You can do the following at-home treatments:

Stretching: Simple leg and foot stretches help improve strength and flexibility, which helps reduce inflammation.
Icing: Ice your heel for 10 to 20 minutes when you have foot pain helps reduce inflammation.
Foot Massage: Gently massage the soles of your feet with your hands or use a foam roller to reach affected areas.

Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Permanent?

Plantar fasciitis typically resolves with non-surgical treatments in about 3 to 12 months.

Does Plantar Fasciitis Cure on Its Own?

Plantar fasciitis can go away on its own, but it can take more than a year for the pain to subside. Without treatment, complications can occur. It's better to see your doctor and start non-surgical treatments right away.

When Should You See a Doctor for Plantar Fasciitis?

If you’re experiencing heel pain, see your doctor to determine the cause of the pain and the appropriate treatment. It could be plantar fasciitis or another condition.

If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis symptoms, make an appointment today with Specialty Orthopaedics in Harrison, NY. We’ll provide the most effective forms of treatment to help relieve your plantar fasciitis.

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