Plantar fasciitis can create a situation where you’re simply desperate to relieve the pain it creates. But it’s important to understand the factors that can influence this pain, and the process that’s often required to get rid of plantar fasciitis as soon as possible.
Before we get into the nitty gritty, we can’t definitively say that plantar fasciitis is impossible to get rid of in a week, but it is extremely unlikely. To give yourself the best chance at curing the pain over time, don’t create unrealistic expectations for your recovery.
Let’s start by going over contributing factors that can bring on foot pain. This will help you understand what makes sense when trying to treat the pain.
What Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Not just one activity is to blame for bringing on plantar fasciitis. Anything that brings on a combination of tension and stress to the bottom of the foot is partially responsible. Oftentimes, that stress is repetitive. That being said, everyone is different, and some feet can handle more stress than others.
Here are some of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis:
- Being active in sports
- Fighting through foot pain without rest
- Avoiding stretches and warm-ups
- Routinely wearing unsupportive shoes
- Walking or standing barefoot for long periods
- Constantly being on your feet
There are also risk factors you should be aware of that can contribute to more pain.
- Age
People over 40 years of age are more susceptible to experiencing plantar fasciitis.
- Type of exercise
Anything that puts repetitive stress on the heel, such as running or dancing, can cause more regular foot pain.
- Foot structure and mechanics
If you have a higher than average arch, or very flat feet, you may battle plantar fasciitis more often.
- Being overweight
Obesity simply adds more pressure to your feet, and more pressure can equal more pain.
All this being said, the direct cause of plantar fasciitis can’t always be determined without a doubt.
Variables in Plantar Fasciitis Recovery
Plantar fasciitis recovery is not a one-size fits all process when trying to get rid of pain. There are a few things that people battling plantar fasciitis should be aware of.
Is the condition chronic? How bad are your symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10? Are you maintaining a healthy weight? Does your daily routine consist of balanced activity and rest?
These are all things you should internalize, take note of, and think about how they contribute to your plantar fasciitis. You can even consult with your doctor or physical therapist to better understand how these affect your pain.
How to Speed Up Plantar Fasciitis Relief
To give yourself the best possible chance to relieve the pain in 1 week, or as soon as possible, you need to prioritize the best treatment practices. These include:
- Tissue massage
- Icing & cold therapy
- Regular stretching
- Rest
- Wear more comfortable shoes
Catching plantar fasciitis early, and not pushing through pain are also very important. Always listen to what your body is telling you.
Remember, you should practice your treatment activities in moderation. Don’t over-stretch, don’t leave ice packs on for a half hour, and don’t create more pain by rubbing your feet too much.
If you’d like to go more in-depth with treatment and prevention practices, check out our recent article.
