How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Last?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fascia of the foot. More specifically , it is one of the most common causes of pain in the heel. Although it is more common in athletes, it can affect anyone.

As a publication in the medical journal  Annals of Internal Medicine  mentions, there are two million patients in the United States alone with this disorder. That is the reason for a million visits to the doctor. How is it treated? How long does it last?

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is caused by degenerative irritation of the fascia of the foot. The latter is a band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone – a bone in the heel – to the tips of the bones that make up the toes.

This structure has a very important function when walking. It takes care of the absorption of energy from each step to prevent the metatarsal bones (the bones that make up the toes) from bending incorrectly. It also maintains the shape of the arch, which provides stability and balance to the body.

Studies suggest that up to  10% of the population will get this disorder at some point in their lives. However, it is common in athletes. This is because their fascia is more prone to overload and weight. Other risk groups include the following:

• People with flat feet.
• Women wearing very high heels.
• People who are overweight.
• People who work in a factory or stand up for a long time.

Inflammation of the fascia of the foot results in plantar fasciitis. It is a common injury in athletes.

What are the symptoms?

The predominant symptom is pain. It will not be of the same intensity and be located in the same place in all persons. The pain is often located on the inside of the ankle. This point corresponds to where the fascia enters the heel bone.

This pain is usually much more acute when taking the first steps when standing up. This occurs because at night the fascia becomes shortened when resting and as a result it becomes more strained in the morning.

During the day, the pain may become more tolerable with activity because one stretches the fascia. Lastly, if you overwork during the day, the pain will become more intense at the end of the day. With prolonged fasciitis, the pain becomes persistent and latent during the day.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis will be based on the person’s medical history and a physical examination by a specialist. Treatment of plantar fasciitis will be performed over several days. Some of the most important are:

• In the acute phase, anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed. The specialist will decide the most appropriate type and dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Sessions with different therapeutic techniques. Depending on the severity of the injury and the affected person, the physiotherapist will establish the sessions.
• To wear appropriate footwear, both during the day and during exercise.
• Maintaining an acceptable weight.
• Proper stretching of muscles and tendons after exercise.
• To use custom soles in cases where the cause of fasciitis is the natural shape of the foot.

How long does plantar fasciitis last?

The duration of this injury can vary from person to person. In some cases, it may take a few weeks or even a few months. However, there are other cases where the injury becomes chronic.

The pain becomes almost constant and can make a person’s quality of life much worse by limiting their daily activity. When the injury becomes chronic, it can affect the knees as well as the hips and back by destabilizing the normal gait.

It is therefore important to go to a specialist as soon as you notice the first symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Plantar fasciitis can become complicated if you do not get the right treatment. It is therefore important to see a doctor at the first symptoms.

What should one keep in mind about plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain may be a clinical manifestation of plantar fasciitis. Although it is often temporary and mild, it is chronic in some cases and can affect quality of life. It is therefore best to go to a doctor when there is a suspicion of injury. Early treatment is important to reduce the duration of treatment.