Heel pain might feel like a minor nuisance at first, but it can quickly become something that affects your entire daily routine. Many people hope it will go away on its own, but when it comes to plantar fasciitis, waiting can lead to more severe, long-lasting problems.
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we specialize in foot and ankle care for patients throughout Crown Point, St. John, Lowell, and across Northwest Indiana. Dr. Curt Martini and our experienced team understand how disruptive plantar fasciitis pain can be, and we’re dedicated to helping you find relief with personalized, evidence-based treatment. If you’re experiencing heel pain that isn’t improving, now is the time to explore your options and get back to moving confidently.
Read on to learn how untreated plantar fasciitis can progress and why early care is so important.
Risks of Leaving Plantar Fasciitis Untreated
Plantar fasciitis pain often begins as mild discomfort, perhaps noticeable only after certain activities or in the morning. However, if ignored, this pain can become persistent and much harder to treat. Ignoring foot pain at the bottom of the foot may lead to several complications, including:
- Chronic inflammation that becomes more resistant to conservative treatments over time
- Development of heel spurs, painful calcium deposits that form due to ongoing strain and tension
- Secondary problems caused by changes in your gait, potentially leading to knee, hip, or lower back pain
Progression from Acute to Chronic Pain
In its early stages, plantar fasciitis symptoms may come and go, often appearing when you first get out of bed or after long periods of sitting. Without proper medical treatment for plantar fasciitis, what starts as occasional soreness can progress into chronic, daily pain. This ongoing discomfort can greatly limit your ability to stay active and enjoy everyday activities.
Effects on Mobility and Daily Life
Chronic plantar fasciitis pain can make even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. Tasks like grocery shopping, walking the dog, or moving around your home can become difficult and frustrating.
As the pain persists, it can limit your mobility, affect your balance, and gradually force you to cut back on activities you enjoy. Over time, this can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, which may impact your overall health and independence.
Complications Like Heel Spurs
A common complication of untreated plantar fasciitis is the development of heel spurs—bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone from prolonged tension and inflammation.
While heel spurs don’t always cause pain on their own, they can contribute to sharp, stabbing sensations when walking or standing for long periods. Once heel spurs develop, treatment can become more complex and may require a longer, more intensive recovery process.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Addressing plantar fasciitis pain early significantly improves the likelihood of successful treatment and reduces the risk of complications. Early intervention helps:
- Prevent acute pain from becoming chronic
- Reduce the chance of developing complications like heel spurs
- Improve recovery outcomes with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, custom orthotics, and stretching exercises
- Maintain mobility and prevent compensatory issues in other areas of the body
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Martini, offers personalized treatment plans to effectively manage and alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Our comprehensive approach includes custom orthotics, physical therapy, minimally invasive treatments, and practical patient education to help you regain mobility comfortably.
Find Relief from Heel Pain at Great Lakes Orthopedics
Ignoring heel pain can lead to complications that make recovery more difficult and keep you from the activities you love. At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we’re here to help you address plantar fasciitis early and protect your long-term foot health.
Schedule an appointment today to meet with Dr. Curt Martini and discuss a personalized treatment plan designed to help you move comfortably again.
