Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen Is It Bad Enough to Keep You From Walking?First StepsLong-Term ManagementStretching and Physical TherapyHow to Walk
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When Is It Bad Enough to Keep You From Walking?
First Steps
Long-Term Management
Stretching and Physical Therapy
How to Walk
While some individuals may find walking extremely challenging due to the pain and inflammation ofplantar fasciitis, others may still be able to walk with varying degrees of discomfort. Specific measures that have been found helpful in managing plantar fasciitis include rest, ice therapy,proper footwear, stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
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When Is Plantar Fasciitis Bad Enough to Keep You From Walking?
This condition often stems from repetitive strain and overuse of the foot, leading to micro-tears and seething pain and discomfort. Symptoms typically include sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially upon taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest periods.
Pain Location
Plantar fasciitis typically manifests as pain in the heel or arch of the foot. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
The severity of pain experienced in plantar fasciitis varies. While some may find walking extremely challenging due to the pain and inflammation, others may still be able to walk with varying degrees of discomfort.
Factors that Exacerbate Plantar Fasciitis
Several factors can worsen the pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis, including:
It’s important to note that the experience of pain and its exacerbating factors can vary among individuals.
How to Relieve Heel Pain When Walking, According to a Physical Therapist
First Things First: When You Can’t Walk Because of Plantar Fasciitis
In the meantime, it is essential to rest and avoid putting weight on the affected foot to prevent further aggravation. To manage the initial pain of plantar fasciitis effectively, consider the following steps:
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking new medications, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Short-Term Relief for Severe Plantar Fasciitis
To expedite the healing process of your plantar fascia, it is beneficial to alleviate weight and pressure from your foot, even if only partially. Your healthcare provider may suggest a combination of the following strategies:
Shock wave therapy may also be effective for pain relief and involves the application of either low-energy or high-energy shock waves to the area. These shock waves create minuscule injuries, stimulating a healing response from the body. This process is believed to facilitate the healing of the plantar fascia.
The good news is that many nonoperative treatments mentioned above can help resolve pain in about 90% of people in about three to six months.In some cases, treatments may be needed for up to 18 months to two years before symptoms improve.
Long-Term Management of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
If people continue to experience symptoms despite six months of nonoperative therapy, minimally invasive treatments or surgery may be considered, such as:
Surgery is rarely necessary for plantar fasciitis except in severe cases.Remember that more invasive treatments may also have more side effects and risks. Always discuss options with your healthcare provider to decide on the right one for you.
Your provider may recommend physical therapy to help you stretch and strengthen the muscles in your foot. This can help improve flexibility and alleviate pain. Common exercises include calf stretches, toe stretches, and towel curls.
There is evidence that working with a physical therapist helps plantar fasciitis recovery. Researchers analyzed a 2017 database on 819,963 people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. They discovered that people who received manual therapy required fewer visits and incurred lower healthcare costs, specifically $340 less. These findings align with previous studies indicating that individuals who undergo evidence-based physical therapy for their foot pain tend to recover more quickly.
How to Walk Easier With Plantar Fasciitis
While you wait for a medical consultation, it is crucial to prioritize rest and refrain from putting any weight on the affected foot. This approach will help prevent further aggravation and promote healing. Initial pain management treatments may include OTC pain relievers and applying ice.
However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using them, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are currently taking other medications.
Summary
Plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. But if you’re experiencing this, there is good news! There are many treatments available to help you. The first step is to see your healthcare provider so they can diagnose your condition accurately and provide further guidance. In the meantime, it’s essential to rest and avoid putting weight on the affected foot.
With proper care and treatment, you’ll be on the path to recovery and getting back on your feet quickly. Remember to be patient and take care of yourself during this healing process.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.Plantar fasciitis.John Hopkins Medicine.Plantar fasciitis.American Family Physician.Plantar fasciitis.Schuitema D, Greve C, Postema K, Dekker R, Hijmans JM.Effectiveness of mechanical treatment for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review.Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2019;29(5):657-674. doi:10.1123/jsr.2019-0036Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, Taljanovic MS.Evaluation and treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2020;5(1). doi:10.1177/2473011419896763Plantar fasciitis: will physical therapy help my foot pain?J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(2):56-56. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0501
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.Plantar fasciitis.John Hopkins Medicine.Plantar fasciitis.American Family Physician.Plantar fasciitis.Schuitema D, Greve C, Postema K, Dekker R, Hijmans JM.Effectiveness of mechanical treatment for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review.Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2019;29(5):657-674. doi:10.1123/jsr.2019-0036Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, Taljanovic MS.Evaluation and treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2020;5(1). doi:10.1177/2473011419896763Plantar fasciitis: will physical therapy help my foot pain?J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(2):56-56. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0501
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.Plantar fasciitis.John Hopkins Medicine.Plantar fasciitis.American Family Physician.Plantar fasciitis.Schuitema D, Greve C, Postema K, Dekker R, Hijmans JM.Effectiveness of mechanical treatment for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review.Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2019;29(5):657-674. doi:10.1123/jsr.2019-0036Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, Taljanovic MS.Evaluation and treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2020;5(1). doi:10.1177/2473011419896763Plantar fasciitis: will physical therapy help my foot pain?J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(2):56-56. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0501
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.Plantar fasciitis.
John Hopkins Medicine.Plantar fasciitis.
American Family Physician.Plantar fasciitis.
Schuitema D, Greve C, Postema K, Dekker R, Hijmans JM.Effectiveness of mechanical treatment for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review.Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. 2019;29(5):657-674. doi:10.1123/jsr.2019-0036
Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, Taljanovic MS.Evaluation and treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2020;5(1). doi:10.1177/2473011419896763
Plantar fasciitis: will physical therapy help my foot pain?J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(2):56-56. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0501
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