When should I see a GP for plantar fasciitis?

If your heel pain is paired with a fever, numbness, redness, or warmth in your heel you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Another telltale sign that it's time to see a doctor about your Plantar Fasciitis is if you find yourself in pain when you place weight on the heel.

Can a GP help with plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. You can usually ease the pain yourself but see a GP if it does not improve within 2 weeks.

Should I see a doctor or podiatrist for plantar fasciitis?

If you have mild symptoms that you believe are associated with plantar fasciitis, give some home remedies a try. However, if your symptoms are more severe, or if you are uncertain of their origin, schedule an appointment with a board-certified podiatrist for a complete examination.

How do you know if you have severe plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up from sitting.

Can a doctor tell if you have plantar fasciitis?

Your doctor can normally tell if you have it just by checking for tender areas in your foot. Often, they can pinpoint what's causing the pain by where it's located. They probably won't do any imaging tests.

Plantar Fasciitis: Causes and When to See a Doctor

What can be mistaken for plantar fasciitis?

Probably the most common nerve entrapment symptom confused with plantar fasciitis is when the “inferior calcaneal nerve” (aka “Baxter's Nerve”) that runs along the bottom of the heel is pinched. Clinical symptoms of Baxter's Entrapment and plantar fasciitis can be virtually identical.

Is it OK to walk with plantar fasciitis?

Every patient is different and some patients even receive relief from their symptoms by simply changing shoes. Walking around after lying or sitting for a time may ease plantar fasciitis symptoms as the ligament stretches out.

Does plantar fasciitis hurt all day?

A hallmark of plantar fasciitis is that it gets worse in the morning. After a night of rest and healing, it hurts a lot to put pressure on the inflamed point. Typically, after some use the pain lessens. If it doesn't ease up at all and stays very painful throughout the day, it's probably getting worse.

Is plantar fasciitis serious?

As if the first steps out of bed in the morning aren't torturous enough already, many people suffer stabbing pains in their feet as they limp their way to the bathroom.

What are the stages of plantar fasciitis?

When should I be concerned about heel pain?

See your doctor immediately if you have:

Severe pain and swelling near your heel. Inability to bend your foot downward, rise on your toes or walk normally. Heel pain with fever, numbness or tingling in your heel. Severe heel pain immediately after an injury.

What happens if plantar fasciitis doesn't go away?

Plantar rupture: Plantar rupture can happen if plantar fasciitis is not treated and you continue to place heavy impacts on the plantar fascia. High impact activities include running, sports, or standing for long periods of time in shoes that don't fit well.

Who is the best person to see for plantar fasciitis?

Your podiatrist (chiropodist), physiotherapist or GP will usually be able to diagnose plantar fasciitis by asking about symptoms and examining your foot. They will ask about your general health and activity, and when your symptoms usually come on.

How long does plantar fasciitis last NHS?

How can I manage plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis usually fully resolves but it can in some cases take up to 12 months. You should avoid excessive activities that aggravate the pain and walking barefoot on hard surfaces.

How long can you have plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis usually resolves within 6–18 months without medical treatment. However, for some people, plantar fasciitis becomes a chronic condition. Symptoms may improve and then appear again, or the pain may remain consistent for a year or longer.

How long does plantar fasciitis take to settle?

More than 95% of people with plantar fasciitis are able to recover within 6 months of onset with the use of home treatments.

What does a ruptured plantar fascia feel like?

If you suffer from a plantar fascia rupture, you may hear or feel a “pop” in your arch. You will also likely experience sharp pain with bruising and swelling in your arch and heel. A torn plantar fascia is very painful and requires proper treatment.

What triggers plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including type of shoes, foot structure, overuse and types of walking surfaces. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually does not require surgery.

Should I take time off work for plantar fasciitis?

Occupation is a significant factor in Plantar Fasciitis recovery time. Patients with weight bearing jobs who are on their feet for long periods will sometimes take longer to heal than those with less strenuous jobs. These patients might have a Plantar Fasciitis recovery time of 8-12 weeks rather than 6 weeks.

Does plantar fasciitis show up on xray?

X-Ray Examination

An x-ray is generally not indicated in making the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. However, X-rays are frequently done since they are simple and help in the overall evaluation of the foot.

Can I get disability for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be both a medical disability and a legally-protected disability that may qualify you for medical treatment, insurance coverage, or disability benefits, depending on a few different factors.

Does plantar fasciitis come on suddenly?

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can occur suddenly or gradually. When they occur suddenly, there is usually intense heel pain on taking the first morning steps, known as first-step pain. This heel pain will often subside as you begin to walk around, but it may return in the late afternoon or evening.

Should I stay off my feet with plantar fasciitis?

Rest: It's important to keep weight off your foot until the inflammation goes down.

Why is my plantar fasciitis getting worse?

When you exert pressure on your feet without proper arch support or padding, you can put too much stress on your plantar fascia. Wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that raise your heel high above your toes may also aggravate the condition.

Can stretching make plantar fasciitis worse?

The causes of and risks for plantar fasciitis

It supports your foot's arch and acts as a shock absorber when you walk. If the tension or stress on the bowstring becomes too great, small tears occur in the fascia. Repeated stretching and tearing can lead to chronic irritation and inflammation.