Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that can be successfully cured the majority of the time with the help of treatment. However, the longer you ignore the issue and do not seek treatment, the more problems you will experience. Healing will take longer and you may develop some additional health problems. Learn more about the consequences of ignoring your plantar fasciitis.
Heel Spurs
One common consequence of not treating your plantar fasciitis is developing heel spurs. Your body tries to protect your arch and limit the damage by sending cells to the problem area. They begin depositing calcium, which can build up over time into sharp protrusions. These sharp bumps dig into the heel and cause you pain every time you step. It can be months for heel spurs to build and can cause you pain. This means that you may not even know you have heel spurs if you ignore your plantar fasciitis, causing you more pain in the long run.
Plantar Fibromatosis
This is a condition where benign nodules grow slowly along the plantar fascia. They are often unnoticeable because they grow so slowly. The slow growth period is followed by a rapid growth, which can leave you in more discomfort and pain. In most cases, plantar fibromatosis is caused by genetic factors. However, there is a correlation between people with plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatosis. This condition may even be caused by an untreated tear in the fascia.
Plantar Tears
Another serious consequence of neglecting your plantar fasciitis is developing a plantar tear. The longer you leave the original condition untreated, the more stress and inflammation the plantar fascia will experience. This can cause small tears that can grow to be larger and more painful over time. More tears may appear the longer you allow the issue to go unaddressed, making the plantar fascia more likely to rupture and debilitate.
Plantar Rupture
A very serious consequence is a plantar rupture. A rupture is likely to occur if you ignore your plantar fasciitis and you take part in activities that put a lot of stress on the plantar fascia. These activities include jogging, standing in poorly-fitting footwear, and playing other sports. If you experience a plantar rupture, you will hear a loud pop followed by intense pain, swelling, and bruising in your foot. If you believe you have experienced a plantar rupture, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Pain in Other Parts of Your Body
Dealing with pain in your feet can impact the way that you stand. If you’re not standing normally, your back and hips can become misaligned, which can lead to more pain. Although it can take a while to heal your plantar fasciitis, it is worth taking care of immediately as to not prolong the pain and cause even more long-term pain for the rest of your body.
Plantar fasciitis is a serious problem that can lead to even worse conditions if not treated quickly. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, be sure to contact an ankle doctor to discuss treatment options today.
