Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that can affect anyone, from athletes to office workers or even retirees. It is caused by damage or strain to the feet and can impact one’s ability to walk. It often causes pain along the heel and arch of the foot.
Though it is a common condition, it often requires treatment before you can fully recover. Without the right intervention, plantar fasciitis has been known to worsen significantly and cause more damaging complications. In this article, we’ll lay out the different risks of going without treatment to help you understand why it matters.
For personalised advice, contact our team at the Foot Health Clinic today.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of soft tissue running along the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed and overloaded. It is characterised as a “bruised” feeling or a dull ache beneath the heel and also associated with pain and stiffness, typically occurring in the morning and after starting to walk after sitting and after activity.
The main cause of plantar fasciitis is often too much stress being placed on your feet. Many factors contribute to the development of Plantar Fasciitis including:
- Abnormal Foot Posture
- Unsupportive Footwear
- Muscle Tightness
- Increased Body Weight
- Increased Activity Levels
- Hard Surfaces
Risks of Avoiding Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that often worsens if left untreated. If the inflammation is not allowed to recover or the strain on your feet is not relieved, you may experience serious injury or harm. Here, we’ll outline the different conditions or injuries plantar fasciitis can develop into.
Plantar Fascia Tears
Avoiding treatment for plantar fasciitis can result in plantar fascia tears. This occurs when your inflamed plantar fascia is put under too much strain. The band of tissue is weakened significantly and small tears begin to occur along the band.
These tears gradually increase the amount of pain you may be experiencing. Likewise, these tears will slowly begin to grow causing even more pain and weakening your plantar fascia further. This increases your risk of developing a more significant injury.
Plantar Fascia Ruptures
Plantar fascia ruptures can occur when the plantar fascia becomes frayed from overuse and loses its integrity with chronic plantar fasciitis. These ruptures can also occur after a sudden trauma, and along with the increase in pain, you may also experience sudden swelling and bruising around your foot. You may also even hear a loud popping sound, as your plantar fascia ruptures.
This usually occurs when your plantar fascia has been significantly weakened. However, you are also at higher risk of an acute plantar fascia rupture if you continue to pursue high-impact activities, such as running or jumping.
While plantar ruptures can be treated, the recovery time is much longer. You will likely need to completely immobilise your foot have a period of non-weight bearing. It may take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to fully recover from a plantar fascia rupture.
Heel Spurs
The development of heel spurs is a common response to plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are caused by long term muscle and ligament strain stressing the heel bone. The symptoms from heel spurs typically resolve from non-surgical treatment, however, surgical intervention is indicated at times.
Tarsal Tunnel Inflammation
Tarsal tunnel inflammation can also be linked to plantar fasciitis, results from compression of the tibial nerve due to swelling caused by the plantar fasciitis. This can cause pain, burning, tingling, and numbness in the foot.
Get The Care You Need
If you are experiencing any pain in your heel or along the bottom of your foot you may have Plantar Fasciitis. Without the right care, this can cause a variety of more significant health concerns that are likely to impact your body’s ability to function.
At the Foot Health Clinic, we are dedicated to providing tailored care to every patient. We’ll work with you to find the right treatment and help you return to the activities you love. Put your feet in the right hands and contact our welcoming team today.
