Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the heel and makes it difficult to walk normally, especially first thing in the morning. Fortunately, discomfort can often be alleviated with home care and exercises. However, in some cases, you must visit a foot doctor to get relief. If you’re not sure whether you should see a doctor, know the three signs that you need professional treatment.
Gravity
The severity of your heel pain is often the best indicator of whether you should see a foot doctor for your plantar fasciitis. Discomfort is usually worse in the morning or after other periods of inactivity when the heel tissue is tight; the pain usually decreases as you become more active. You may also feel more uncomfortable in bare feet or in shoes that have little padding on the sole. If your pain does not lessen as you move more or put on a supportive pair of shoes, you should make an appointment with a medical professional.
Type of pain
Plantar fasciitis pain is usually most acute when you put weight on your feet. That is what makes walking, running, and many other activities so uncomfortable. However, if the discomfort in your heel continues even when there is no weight on it, you should call your foot doctor for professional treatment.
Duration
It can take months to get rid of the pain with plantar fasciitis treatment. If you are trying home treatments and exercises, you have to be patient so it has time to work. However, if your discomfort becomes chronic, it is usually a sign that you should see a doctor. When you have heel pain that lasts more than seven days, even after icing it, resting it, and treating it with over-the-counter pain relievers, you should see a foot doctor. Take note of how long it takes for the heel pain to go away as you move; If it starts to take longer and longer, seek medical assistance, even if you have not had discomfort for a week.
When you see your doctor, treatment may vary depending on the severity of your condition. Rest is generally recommended, and you may also need to modify the way you walk and run. If you are an avid runner, you may need to switch to a different form of exercise, such as swimming, to avoid putting too much stress on your heel. Massaging and stretching the area is also recommended to help loosen tension. A night splint may also be recommended as it can help provide a gentle tightening of the inflamed tissue while you sleep. Your foot doctor may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications. In extreme cases, steroid injections in the heel may be necessary.
You should be aware that it may take up to three months before symptoms disappear. Generally, the longer you’ve been experiencing plantar fasciitis, the longer it takes to go away.
