Plantar fasciitis is a common ailment that many hope will simply fade away. However, ignoring this discomfort can trigger a bevy of secondary issues that extend far beyond the feet. In today’s article, we at Your Next Step will uncover 6 of the most common conditions that develop in part due to plantar fasciitis.
Chronic Heel Pain
The most immediate consequence of neglecting plantar fasciitis is persistent heel pain. What may begin as intermittent discomfort, often localized to the first steps in the morning, can transform into a relentless ache that accompanies nearly every weight-bearing activity.
When it reaches this level, plantar fasciitis can be a roadblock to athletic activity and everyday movement. If all other options have been exhausted, surgery may be required.
Changes in Walking Pattern
To find relief from heel pain, people with untreated plantar fasciitis typically start walking differently. Limping, favoring the uninjured side, or walking on the outer edges of the feet become common compensation strategies. While these adjustments may temporarily reduce stress on the irritated plantar fascia, they create imbalances in the biomechanics of the lower limbs and place strain on other areas.
Tendonitis
One frequent secondary condition resulting from these gait abnormalities is Achilles tendonitis. As the body shifts weight and alters its push-off during walking to avoid heel pain, the Achilles tendon may be forced to work harder and in a less efficient manner. This increased and abnormal stress can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the back of the heel.
Knee, Hip, and Back Pain
The compensations initiated by foot pain don’t stop at the ankle. An uneven gait and altered posture can affect the alignment and stress distribution in the knees and hips. Knee pain can develop due to abnormal joint loading, while the hips may rotate unevenly to accommodate the painful foot.
Over time, these movements can even contribute to lower back pain as the spine stabilizes an unbalanced lower body.
Heel Spurs
While not a direct cause of plantar fasciitis, the chronic, persistent pulling of the inflamed plantar fascia on the heel bone can stimulate the formation of bony projections known as heel spurs.
Current studies show the spur itself isn’t the primary source of plantar fasciitis pain, but its presence can further complicate the condition. The changes in walking and continued inflammation create a perfect storm for bone spur development.
Nerve Entrapment
In some cases, the long-standing inflammation and gait problems caused by chronic plantar fasciitis can lead to nerve entrapment in the foot or ankle. The changes in tissue tension and pressure can compress nearby nerves, resulting in symptoms like numbness, tingling, and radiating pain.
Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are happy to solve your foot and ankle problems. Book your appointment and contact us today!