So you’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and your doctor tells you that it will take about 3-6 months to heal. How long does it really take? What can you do to speed up the process as much as possible? These are all good questions! Let’s talk about them in this article.
The thing we need to know is how long it takes for a normal person without any injuries or chronic pain conditions to heal from plantar fasciitis and return back to their normal activities (walking, running, etc.). The answer: 12 weeks on average. Now we know how long people without our condition should expect – but what about plantar fasciitis sufferers?
Plantar fasciitis usually goes away on its own in 6 to 18 months without therapy. Plantar fasciitis patients will recover 97 percent of the time with six months of continuous, nonoperative treatment. But how long does it take for plantar fasciitis to heal naturally?
The answer is different depending on what kind of treatment you are using (or not using). If your doctor prescribes custom foot orthotics or other shoe inserts like over-the-counter insoles for arch support and pain relief while walking, then it should take one month for this type of plantar fasciitis therapy to work.
Knowing what to do will help you by:
- Preventing chronic plantar fasciitis and save yourself from long-term side effects
- Learning how to treat plantar fasciitis at home or choose a safer alternative
- Not stressing over something that’s supposed to heal on its own
If you’re taking anti-inflammatory medications or using plantar fasciitis night splints to help with the recovery process, then it will take plantar fasciitis sufferers around three months for plantar fasciitis treatment to work. It will help people who suffer by:
- Providing a three-month plantar fasciitis treatment for sufferers
- Helping with the initial healing process by reducing heel pain
If you’re doing plantar fascia stretching exercises at home on a daily basis but not getting results quickly enough, your plantar fasciitis may be chronic and requires more intense therapy like strength training. If this is the case, plan on six months of consistent non-operative treatments before returning back to normal activities without pain in your heels.
Through this sufferers will have a:
- A better understanding of what you’re dealing with
- Clear direction on how to relieve your pain as quickly as possible
- Real-time information and update on therapy plan
- Motivation by following a long term program
Remember that everyone’s body is different – some people heal faster than others depending on age, health history, weight, etc. So there are no hard rules when it comes to plantar fasciitis healing times.
To speed up healing, you can try a few stretches like:
Achilles Tendon Stretch
For 10 to 15 seconds, relax your calf muscles and slowly lower your heels over the edge of the step. You should feel a stretch along that pesky Achilles tendon!
Calf Muscle Stretch
If you run around a lot and find yourself with sore calves, then this is the perfect stretch for getting those muscles back into shape. All it takes is one foot placed approximately 12 inches in front of the other while leaning against something sturdy like a wall or doorframe (depending on how far apart they are). Maintain good posture by keeping both heels planted firmly onto the floor at all times- don’t slouch! Hold for 10 – 15 seconds on each side repeat as needed.
Fascia Stretch
All you need to do is sit down with your feet flat against the ground and extend one leg straight out in front of yourself. At first, this may feel like an impossible task but if you can hold it for 10-15 seconds or more your foot will start feeling some relief from pain!
To get into position easily just put a corner office desk on its side so there’s enough room between seat cushions/knees when sitting along; then lean back comfortably. Hold stretch by pulling toes towards shins–this should focus pressure along the entire arch.
It’s difficult to say how long plantar fasciitis will take to heal because it varies from person to person. However, in general, people report that the pain and discomfort can be gone in a matter of weeks or months depending on their individual condition and treatment plan.
The good news is that many doctors recommend simple treatments such as stretching exercises and wearing supportive shoes for relief without surgery. If you’re looking at ways to speed up your recovery time, call us today! We’ll talk about what we can do to help ensure that you get back out there sooner than later with minimal fuss.
Remember, The 3 Arches of Your Feet Still Need Support!
Maybe you have already felt the first symptoms of balance disorders or you want to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Consider getting a foot orthotic device or simply take care of your feet. Start by washing them thoroughly with a gentle soap whenever you take a shower. Being a very complex support system, your feet are your first line of defense against balance-related issues, since their arches provide you with the stability you need in your daily life. It’s time to put your foot down and push back against balance issues. With both feet on the ground, dedicate yourself to keeping them comfortable and healthy. Give us a call and we will scan your feet to make you custom orthotic inserts.
The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing custom orthotics for 20 years. The right orthotic insoles can greatly reduce foot, knee, and hip pain while increasing performance and comfort. Russell at The Shoe Doctor will help educate and assist you in finding the perfect solution for your particular situation. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make custom orthotics for your hiking boots, everyday shoes, and everything else in between. These orthotics, along with our expert advice, will get you using orthotics like a pro, and have you performing at the peak of your abilities in no time! If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, schedule your free consultation here!
