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Does Plantar Fasciitis Go Away On Its Own?

Does Plantar Fasciitis Go Away On Its Own?

Many athletes will experience painful plantar fasciitis at some point in their careers. Although the condition often affects athletes, it can also be caused by overuse or prolonged standing on hard surfaces.

So, will plantar fasciitis resolve on its own? Maybe, if you don’t mind months of discomfort. 

On the other hand, if you're tired of dealing with the pain, Dr. Marque A. Allen provides treatment at his practice, Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio.

Dr. Allen is an experienced foot and ankle specialist offering various lifestyle tips, physical therapy, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy to help alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis. 

He also recommends topical CBD products as a natural alternative treatment. Here’s more information about plantar fasciitis and when to seek medical attention. 

Understanding plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a large piece of connective tissue (fascia) that spans from the heel to the toes. Most people don't think about it until they have plantar fasciitis and pain while walking.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the fascia suffers small microtears, causing inflammation and pain, particularly in the heel. It usually occurs due to overuse, such as during sports training, or excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain that's worse in the morning or after sitting for an extended period. It also leads to stiffness and swelling in the heel and Achilles tendon.

Athletes are at risk for plantar fasciitis, particularly those who engage in frequent running. However, you can develop plantar fasciitis from standing for long periods or working on hard surfaces.

Will the pain go away on its own?

In many cases, plantar fasciitis can resolve on its own with rest and home care measures. It's essential to know the signs of the condition to know when to rest the feet and avoid exercises that exacerbate it.

Rest and techniques such as stretching and wearing supportive footwear can help alleviate discomfort as the fascia heals.

However, it's essential to understand that plantar fasciitis takes time to resolve. Most people experience relief within a few months, but it may take more than a year, even with conservative measures, to heal fully.

How long should I wait to get treatment?

You can try managing plantar fasciitis with home care for a few weeks. If the pain doesn't improve or if it worsens despite rest and activity modification, it's time to seek professional care. 

Severe cases of plantar fasciitis and symptoms that prohibit you from performing daily activities signal the need for treatment sooner.

Dr. Allen recommends professional care for mild to moderate cases of plantar fasciitis if you're not able to adhere to home care. Seeking treatment as early as possible is often the best option for a quick recovery.

Recovering from plantar fasciitis

Recovering from plantar fasciitis can take months, even with professional treatments. The most effective way to achieve results is to adhere to our treatment plan.

Dr. Allen offers lifestyle tips and shoe recommendations that provide arch support to alleviate pain and rest the fascia. He also provides custom orthotics and exercises to support and strengthen the plantar fascia.

If conservative treatments aren't helping and the pain lingers, he may recommend platelet-rich plasma injections or extracorporeal shockwave therapy to help stimulate your body’s natural healing process. 

Both procedures help improve blood flow to the plantar fascia and promote the repair of damaged tissue, providing long-term relief.

To learn more about plantar fasciitis treatments, call one of our offices in Alamo Heights or San Antonio, Texas, today to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with Dr. Allen on our website.




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