Our body is a fantastic instrument that works to heal its injuries, and while you can heal from a number of different health conditions simply by letting bone development or your immune system run its course, some injuries won’t be able to heal fully on their own. Left untreated, these conditions can leave you with a dull discomfort, or they can get worse until major intervention is necessary. Simply put, it’s always a good idea to actively manage your health conditions to avoid worsening of symptoms.
One such condition that could lead to worse outcomes if left untreated is plantar fasciitis. In today’s blog, we explain some of the potential dangers of leaving your plantar fasciitis untreated.
Three Potential Problems Of Untreated Plantar Fasciitis
Here’s a look at three other foot problems that could develop if you don’t actively manage your plantar fasciitis.
Heel Spurs – One of the most common issues associated with untreated plantar fasciitis is the development of heel spurs. Your body is doing what it always tries to do and protect itself, and it does that by generating calcium deposits to protect the arch of your foot from tissue damage. Over time, these calcium deposits can turn into sharp or rough bone deposits that irritate nearby structures, leading to pain with every step. Not only will early intervention help treat the underlying plantar fasciitis, but it will also help prevent against heel spur formation.
Plantar Fibromatosis – This condition results in the non-cancerous thickening of your plantar fascia. Although the condition isn’t all that common, it can lie dormant or asymptomatic for years, so many individuals may not know they are dealing with the formation of non-cancerous nodules along their fascia. Over time, walking on the thickened fascia can go from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful. Treating the plantar fasciitis at the outset can help to prevent this continued thickening of your fascia.
Plantar Rupture – A final problem that can develop if you don’t manage your plantar fasciitis is a full blown plantar rupture. Your plantar fascia is in a damaged state if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, but if you keep trying to push through the pain and play sports or stay active, the fascia can rupture. Odds are you’ll know if it ruptures, because there’s usually a popping sensation followed by a period of intense foot pain and swelling. Weight bearing may also be difficult. If you thought rehabbing from plantar fasciitis was annoying, recovering from a ruptured fascia will take even more time and effort.
If you have plantar fasciitis or are experiencing arch pain, reach out to Dr. Silverman’s office to see what he can do for you.