The good news is that there are a few treatment options that you can choose, such as a good pair of custom orthotics, picking the right shoes, and doing exercises to make the tendon a little stronger. While all of these can effectively treat plantar fasciitis, how can you tell when the condition is improving?
How to Tell if Plantar Fasciitis is Healing: Know the Symptoms
Once you find treatment for a foot condition you have been living with for an extended time, noticing the changes effective treatment options have made to your feet can be difficult.
There are a few signs you can look out for to get a good idea of whether your plantar fasciitis is getting better or not. Some of the top signs to consider include:
Mornings Are Easier when Plantar Fasciitis is Getting Better
One of the first signs that you will notice when plantar fasciitis is healing; the pain you usually feel in the morning is no longer there. Those with plantar fasciitis will often have their worst pain in the morning, which can make it hard for you to get out of bed in the morning. The foot can be on fire after you take that first step.
There are a few reasons for this. First is the amount of blood that flows to your foot. When you are asleep, you may find that blood flow to the extremities is not always the best.
Your feet may not get full blood flow right away and this can make the foot a bit painful when you start moving and blood rushes back to the area. You may also have some trouble with pressure.
You will often notice that you have plantar fasciitis because there is a good deal of pain when you are walking or standing and the pain will go away when you are resting. When you wake up and put pressure back on the foot in the morning, it can cause immense pain.
When the plantar fasciitis starts to get better, you may notice that you can wake up in the morning with little pain. If you can make the first few steps without the pain, you know you are heading in the right direction.
When the Pain is Localized, Your Plantar Fasciitis May be Healing
Pain is something that no one wants to worry about, but it does provide you with information that something is wrong with the body. Plantar fasciitis can be frustrating for many reasons, but you will find that the pain tends to spread.
Inflammation in the arch can start to radiate through the whole foot and sometimes make its way up the leg.
This condition may start to affect the way that you walk and run. This means that you are more likely to feel pain in a large portion of the body including the other foot, the hips, the knees, and the lower back.
If you used to feel pain in several parts of the body, but now it is more localized to the foot, this is a sign that you may be starting to recover. While not having any pain at all is ideal, localized pain is a promising sign.
You may find it easier to walk around and feel good without having to worry about the foot hurting and other parts of the body being in pain too.
When Your Range of Motion Returns, Your Plantar Fasciitis Has Healed
When the plantar fasciitis starts to get worse, you may begin to notice that stretching is going to get very painful. Inflammation and all of those microtears can make even a small amount of movement in the foot start to hurt, which is why it is so hard for you to maintain your mobility if the plantar fasciitis starts to get too bad.
Despite some of the pain that may try to stop you, being able to do some stretches in the foot can be important. This allows you to strengthen the fibers in the foot and will protect it from tearing as much in the future.
Cramping can also be a side effect of plantar fasciitis, so elongating these muscles can help prevent the symptoms as well. If you have been working on treatments to help with plantar fasciitis and you notice that your range of motion is getting back to normal, then this is a good sign.
It can take a bit and there may be some pain that you need to deal with. But being able to move your feet and ankles in different directions can be a good sign.
Plantar Fasciitis Heals When Symptoms Disappear
In some of the more serious cases of plantar fasciitis, you may be able to see the issue with your eyes. When the issue first started, you may have noticed a few symptoms like:
- Bruising: The small tears and the hyperextension of the plantar fascia could lead the heel pad to thin out. With less protection in the area, even some of your regular steps can cause damage to the skin and tissue. Bruising in the heel can be a sign of this condition. If you notice the bruising is going away and nothing new shows up, then this is great news.
- Swelling: When the plantar fascia starts to cause problems, the inflammation can lead to swelling. You may notice this around the heel and the arch of the foot. The swelling can cause fluid to build up, and that may spread to the ankle or the foot. If you see the swelling go down, this is a sign that the plantar fasciitis is getting better.
- Tightness: When cramping occurs, you may be able to see the tightness of the plantar fascia at the bottom of your foot. When this starts to subside a bit, it means you are taking the right steps to heal the problem.
All of these signs can be a good thing, showing that the work you put into treating plantar fasciitis is starting to pay off for you. Keep in mind that it can take up to six months for these signs to reduce and feel better, and you need to give yourself some time to make it happen.
Your Body Feels Better
While plantar fasciitis is often considered a condition of the heel and the bottom of the foot, the pain can be something that will go to other parts of the body. Many people who start to notice hip and lower back pain, and even pain in the joints of the knee, will find that by treating their plantar fasciitis, they can make the whole body feel a bit better.
When you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you may notice that even walking is going to be painful. You may make some changes in the way that you walk as a way to reduce the pain you are feeling. This may reduce some of the pain that you have, but it is going to add more stress, and eventually pain, to other parts of your body.
As you heal the plantar fasciitis, you can start to walk in a normal fashion again. This can take the pressure off the lower back, hips, and knees, which will reduce the pain you feel there too.
Taking Care of Your Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can cause a lot of pain in the lower foot and your heel and when you choose to take good care of it, you will be able to fix the problem and make it feel better. But you need to be proactive to make sure that you can get some relief.
When you see some of the signs above, you can finally say goodbye to some of the signs of plantar fasciitis. When you are dealing with some pain that comes from plantar fasciitis, it is important to visit the right professional to take care of your feet.
Summary
Problems and Pains of Plantar Fasciitis:
-
Heel Pain: The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense pain in the heel, typically felt with the first steps in the morning.
-
Arch Pain: Many sufferers experience sharp, stabbing pain in the arch of the foot, making walking difficult.
-
Foot Discomfort: Plantar fasciitis often leads to ongoing foot discomfort that can affect daily activities.
-
Reduced Mobility: The pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis can reduce mobility, making it challenging to participate in physical activities.
How Bilt Labs Custom Orthotics Can Help Plantar Fasciitis Sufferers:
-
Heel and Arch Support: Bilt Labs custom orthotics offer targeted support to the heel and arch, reducing pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis.
-
Alignment and Relief: Our orthotics are designed to align the foot properly, relieving stress on the plantar fascia, and promoting healing.
-
Reduced Discomfort: Custom orthotics provide cushioning and support, reducing overall foot discomfort, allowing for a more pain-free experience.
-
Enhanced Mobility: With custom orthotics, individuals with plantar fasciitis can regain their mobility and engage in daily activities and exercise with greater comfort.
Custom orthotics by Bilt Labs are the solution for plantar fasciitis sufferers, helping to alleviate pain, improve foot mechanics, and enhance overall comfort. Say goodbye to plantar fasciitis-related problems and hello to a more pain-free and active lifestyle with Bilt Labs.