What should I do if plantar fasciitis is very painful?
Plantar fasciitis is mainly characterized by worsened symptoms after activity, with pain at the bottom of the foot, which tends to ease during rest. Typically, the most intense pain occurs when stepping down for the first time in the morning or when the affected foot bears weight painfully, possibly due to tension in the plantar fascia. This condition frequently arises in individuals who wear leather shoes or high heels for extended periods, stand for long durations, or walk on cobblestone pathways in flat shoes. Pain occurs when the plantar fascia is tense and gradually worsens, but rapidly alleviates when the fascia relaxes upon resting. Local heat application is recommended as it promotes dilation of the surrounding vessels, effectively stimulating blood circulation and thereby easing the symptoms. Additionally, it is suggested to reduce the amount of time standing and the frequency of activities, and to rest as much as possible in bed. Recovery is typically slow, generally improving gradually over about 3-4 weeks. For significant pain, medications that promote blood circulation and alleviate pain may be taken. If necessary, encapsulation therapy can be performed. In cases where repeated treatment is ineffective, fasciotomy might be considered, which can impact the function of the foot to various extents, yet the benefits outweigh the downsides and might be the last treatment option chosen. Many patients find that rest, along with medications that promote blood circulation and alleviate pain, physiotherapy, heat application, electric baking, massage, and others, help in alleviating the symptoms.