Plantar Fasciitis So Bad I Can't Walk... And What You Can Do About It
You might have plantar fasciitis if you wake up one morning and your previously manageable heel discomfort suddenly becomes excruciating. Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that causes painful and swollen feet. The inflamed foot fascia, a band of connective tissues under the skin that supports muscles and foot structures, serves as a tell-tale sign of the pain.
You may experience plantar fasciitis pain that is so severe that you tell people you have plantar fasciitis so bad I can’t walk… stand up, or even get a good night’s sleep. Plantar fasciitis can worsen and interfere with virtually of your regular activities if left untreated. Active individuals and those who frequently walk on hard surfaces are one of the most likely people to have this ailment, but it can and does affect people from all walks of life.
Pain from plantar fasciitis can typically be managed and remedied with tailored treatments from your Podiatrist such as rest, physical therapy, and short-term anti-inflammatory medicine use. The key is to ensure your Podiatrist accurately identifies the root cause of your plantar fasciitis so an effective treatment plan for your needs can be developed.
An Overview of Plantar Fasciitis
The fascia, which are the connective tissues that support, stabilise, and protect the foot, are impacted by plantar fasciitis. The medial, central, and lateral fascia are three bands that form a thick band that runs from your heel bone to your toes.
People that frequently experience excruciating heel pain tell us they have plantar fasciitis so bad I can’t walk. Plantar fasciitis reportedly has an annual impact on more than 5% of the population. Ages 18 to 44 have a lower prevalence of this illness than ages 45 to 64. So if you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis take some comfort in the fact you are not alone and with such a common aliment in our society, many effective treatments have been developed over the years.
Plantar fasciitis symptoms
With time, the pain from plantar fasciitis steadily worsens. Your heel, arch, or sole may first feel a little sore. But with time, it could develop into a chronic ache that interferes with your sleep, rest, and nearly all other daily activities.
The following list of signs and symptoms indicate plantar fasciitis:
· The pain, which was worse in the morning, subsides
· Sensitivity of the Achilles tendons (the fibrous tissues that connect calf muscles to the heel bone)
· Rigidity of calves
· Difficulty standing and walking.
· Poor quality of sleep
Plantar fasciitis causes
Plantar fasciitis may have mechanical, environmental, or anatomical reasons. The following are some of the more typical ones:
· Recent increase in body weight
· Foot with a flat or very high arch
· Achilles tendon that is shorter
· Foot overpronation, or inward foot rotation
· Limited ankle flexion
· Lack of foot muscles
· Inconsistent leg length
· Continuous standing
Keep in mind that not every heel discomfort is caused by plantar fasciitis. The following factors could be the cause of heel pain that is not plantar fasciitis:
· A fractured heel
· A foot injury
· Medical conditions causing neuropathy such as diabetes
· Either spinal stenosis or disc damage
· Foot spur
This is why we strongly recommend you book in to see an experienced Podiatrist if you have concerns you have plantar fasciitis. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of your pain is a crucial first step in an effective treatment process.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options
Plantar fasciitis is not a straightforward foot inflammation. Instead, it can be a serious disorder that causes degeneration and tearing of your heel’s connective tissues.
The appropriate course of treatment will be determined by your Podiatrist based on the severity of your plantar fasciitis. The first line of management for plantar fasciitis entails:
- Rest – R.I.C.E Protocol
- Fish oil and turmeric-based supplements
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stretching and additional active exercises & activities
- Off the shelf or custom orhotics
- Night splints
- Shockwave Therapy for typically chronic and persistent cases
- If everything else fails, steroid injections may be considered
You don’t need to put up with plantar fasciitis – it is a common aliment that is readily treatable. If you’re telling yourself you have plantar fasciitis so bad I can’t walk, then you should seek professional help immediately. Please call our friendly Reception on (03) 9457 2336 or book online for an appointment.
Heel Pain
Understand what causes your heel pain and what you can do to get rid of it once and for all. Find out what treatments can get you back to walking pain free so you can enjoy living an active life again!
