What Happens If Plantar Fasciitis Goes Untreated? Unfortunately, the longer plantar fasciitis goes untreated, the longer the healing process takes, and the more possible complications may arise. Not allowing the arch enough rest after a foot injury, working a job that needs a lot of time on the feet, and partaking in high-impact activities without proper support or footwear are the most typical ways plantar fasciitis gets worse.
Fortunately, ninety percent of plantar fasciitis cases can be efficiently resolved with easy, conservative treatments. In today’s post, we will discuss some possible dangers of leaving your plantar fasciitis unaddressed.
Is plantar fasciitis serious?
Plantar fasciitis is a typical health condition that everybody encounters at some point in their lives. It is typical in people more than the age of forty. If you’re younger than 20, there’s also a fewer risk of having this condition.
In most cases, it goes away after days or weeks. Nonetheless, if you have been feeling pain in your feet for over a month, that might indicate your plantar fasciitis has become a serious condition.
If it does not heal by itself, you should seek proper medical treatment right away.
What are the possible complications of untreated plantar fasciitis?
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis and heel pain often develop slowly, even though they can develop quicker in some cases. If heel pain and other symptoms are left untreated, other more serious complications can arise.
Here are some of those:
1. Plantar rupture
One problem that can develop if you do not manage your plantar fasciitis is a full-blown plantar rupture. Remember that your plantar fascia is in a damaged condition. If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, your fascia can rupture but keep pushing through the pain, play sports, and stay active.
Chances are you will know if it ruptures because there is a popping feeling followed by penetrating foot pain and swelling. What’s more, weight-bearing may also be hard.
Recovering from a split fascia will take even more effort and time, especially if you assumed rehabbing from plantar fasciitis was maddening.
2. Plantar fibromatosis
This condition leads to non-cancerous thickening of the plantar fascia. Though the condition is not common, it can lie asymptomatic or dormant for years. Thus, many people may not realize they are already dealing with developing non-cancerous nodules along their fascia.
Eventually, walking on the thickened fascia can go from slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful. Managing the plantar fasciitis at the beginning can help stop the continued thickening of the fascia.
3. Heel spurs
One of the most typical concerns connected with unaddressed plantar fasciitis is the growth of heel spurs.
Keep in mind that your body is doing what it tries to do and defend itself. It produces calcium deposits to safeguard the foot’s arch from tissue damage.
Over time, calcium deposits can turn into rough or sharp bone deposits that aggravate nearby structures, resulting in pain with each step.
Early intervention will help cure the underlying plantar fasciitis and will help stop heel spur development.
What home remedies can you do for your plantar fasciitis?
Easy home treatments can sometimes resolve plantar fasciitis, particularly if you catch it early on. However, it may take a little while to heal if it has worsened over time.
Do you want to know What Foods to Avoid with Plantar Fasciitis, read out this guide.
Here are some home remedies you can do.
1. Wear a splint
For severe cases, a night splint can brace the ankle and foot in the correct position as you sleep. Night splints will also stretch the plantar fascia and ease the pain.
2. Ice the feet
You can roll your foot over a frozen water bottle for at least five minutes. You may try holding an ice pick over the bottom of your foot for fifteen minutes, three times per day.
It will also help if you use the ice treatment after any strenuous activity or extended sitting or standing time.
3. Wear proper footwear
Ensure you get a decent fit and prevent flat shoes that lack support. It will help if you find proper shoes to match your biomechanics and foot.
Remember that arch supports might help some people. It is also recommended to avoid walking barefoot around the house.
That could stress the tissue in the foot’s bottom even more. Alternatively, wear sneakers or running shoes—something with natural arch support. That will prevent the tissue from deforming and chronically stretching and irritating it.
4. Rest and stretch
If overuse is the cause of the pain, rest is a simple key to recovery. It is also a great idea to combine that with regular stretching exercises.
Foot exercises will enable you to keep the plantar fascia from tightening and pulling up. Thus, it is better to bear the weight when moving again.
What should you avoid if you have plantar fasciitis? (What Happens If Plantar Fasciitis Goes Untreated)
The discomfort and pain that comes from plantar fasciitis can be extremely stressful that you’d try anything to eliminate it. However, there are cases when specific remedies will just worsen the condition.
If you have heel pain, avoid doing the following:
1. Wait for treatment
You may assume that you will be back on your feet with some day’s rest. In reality, your heel pain may subside with the help of a doctor.
Do not tough it out. Get to the root of what is causing the plantar fasciitis, so you can treat it immediately.
2. Stand for extended periods
Make necessary changes if you have a job that needs you to stand for hours at a time. That only adds more pressure to your plantar fasciitis.
3. Exercise your feet
You may also believe that jumping or running will stretch out the issue. However, a high impact on your feet will make everything worse.
Try to prevent all high-intensity cardio, hiking, or running activities.
Conclusion
If home treatment is not working, you should get help immediately. Remember that your doctor can ensure the pain you are feeling is from plantar fasciitis and advise you further if it is not.
That is challenging because other aspects could cause pain in the bottom of your feet. Call your doctor if you are still in pain after relieving it for a few days. If you need information on plantar fasciitis, feel free to check our posts here.