What If You Don’t Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common medical condition that many people suffer from, causing discomfort and pain that affects their daily lives. But what happens if it’s left untreated? The progressive nature of this painful condition means the potential for more serious problems down the road. In this blog, we’ll examine where plantar fasciitis may lead if left untreated and discuss potential treatments or preventative measures that can be taken to avoid any further complications. Join us as we delve deep into understanding this important issue!

Diagnosis

If you experience a stabbing sensation in your heel that does not dissipate after several weeks, an appointment with an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist is advised. This type of doctor can identify if you are dealing with plantar fasciitis—the main symptom being intense pain in the heels. Don’t wait to seek medical attention; book an appointment as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment!

Your orthopedist will closely examine your foot to make sure the source of pain is not something else entirely. To do so, they may utilize X-rays and other tests in order to rule out a possible fracture or any additional causes for heel pain.

What will happen if Plantar Fasciitis is left untreated

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain can appear over time or suddenly due to an injury. If these symptoms are neglected, such as redness, inflammation, swelling of the feet, etc., more serious issues may arise. Therefore it is important to address any signs of plantar fasciitis soon after they occur in order to mitigate possible negative outcomes.

Related: Introducing the Potential of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Tears

If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause small tears in the fascia (micro-injuries) that may gradually become larger and more numerous. You might not be aware when each tear appears but you will certainly notice an increase in your pain level. Unaddressed micro-tears could potentially lead to a rupture of the plantar fascia and make it weak, thereby impairing its function even further.

Plantar Rupture

Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to a rupture of the Plantar Fascia. To prevent this from occurring, it is vital to avoid activities that put too much stress on your feet such as running, playing sports, or standing for long periods with inadequately fitting shoes.

A ruptured plantar fascia is typically accompanied by a loud popping sound, followed by unrelenting pain, and discoloration due to bruising and swelling in the foot. Bearing weight on the injured foot will be excruciatingly painful. Without delay, seek medical help if you think you have experienced this condition. Following a diagnosis of a ruptured plantar fascia and post-care instructions from your physician, it’s likely that crutches or an ankle brace must be worn for extended healing time.

Studies demonstrate that steroid injections, a popular therapy for relieving chronic plantar fasciitis pain, are a potential hazard of rupturing the fascia in the foot due to their interference with collagen formation.

Related: An Overview of Treating Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis: Why ESWT is Extraordinary

Plantar Fibromatosis

As plantar fibromatosis progresses, it manifests in the form of slow-growing nodules along the plantar fascia. These physical manifestations may go unnoticed for a period of time before suddenly enlarging rapidly. The subsequent growth can cause discomfort or pain when attempting to walk and must be addressed quickly as time goes on.

Although genetics may be the root cause of plantar fibromatosis, a relationship between people with both conditions has been observed. Some researchers believe that repeated stress to the fascia can lead to small tears in it and eventually result in plantar fibromatosis if left neglected.

Heel Spurs

Plantar fasciitis left untreated can have a number of painful consequences, chief among them being heel spurs. In an effort to protect the arch of your foot from further injury and strain, your body sends out calcium deposits which over time build up into sharp projections that pierce through the fatty pad at the bottom of your heels causing immense pain with every single step you take.

Without inflicting pain, heel spurs can accumulate over the course of a few months. This means that unless plantar fasciitis is treated promptly and effectively, an undetected secondary issue may lay dormant until suddenly resurging with sharp discomfort.

Plantar Fasciitis can also lead to:

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis and heel pain can eventually cause unexpected discomfort in other parts of the body like the hips, back, and knees. The arches of your feet depend on tendons, ligaments, and muscles to work together with them. When these become strained or damaged due to the fascia being compromised then additional stress is placed upon those other components leading to a cascade effect that results in aches further up your lower body.

Plantar fasciitis can also lead to changes in one’s walking or standing posture, resulting in repeating stress injuries due to the strain it puts on hips, knees, and backs which are constantly forced into unaccustomed positions.

Related: No More Living with Heel Pain: ESWT, Reliable Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain

Pay Close Attention to the Signs of Plantar Fasciitis – Don’t Ignore Them!

Noting the signs of plantar fasciitis promptly and taking action is essential to avoid any additional issues arising from this condition. Consider the pain as a caution that shall not be taken lightly; it’s time to take preventive measures before more harm takes place. Practicing stretching, icing, and wearing orthotic supports are all excellent methods for healing your feet quickly and sustaining them in top shape!

If you experience pain in your feet, don’t wait to seek help – contact the Mid-Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists for relief. Our team of experienced professionals can diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis, as well as many other foot conditions. We provide personalized care based on your individual needs and will do our best to ensure that your feet stay healthy and happy!