Patients with diabetes are all too aware that their condition increases their risk for serious foot issues. However, they may not be aware that having diabetes (especially Type 2 diabetes) makes it more likely for them to develop plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of each foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and while at first, it may not seem serious, untreated it can lead to worse problems. Chronic heel pain can make it difficult to walk, exercise, or undertake daily activities normally, and changes in posture and gait can lead to foot, knee, hip, and back problems. Understanding the factors that put those with diabetes at elevated risk as well as the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can help you know how to protect yourself and when to seek out medical care.
A 2019 study examining the records of approximately 4 million patients showed that those with Type 2 diabetes were 64% more likely to have plantar fasciitis than those without diabetes. The factors behind this include:
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include pain in your heel or along the bottom of your foot. The pain may be sharp when you put pressure on your heel or put weight on the affected foot, but a dull ache otherwise. It may even go away after you’ve walked for a bit but then come back later. It often feels worse when you first get up in the morning, or when you stand after being off your feet for a while, because the muscles and ligaments have tightened up. In general, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for a week with no improvement, you should see a podiatrist to be evaluated.
In many cases, plantar fasciitis can be effectively addressed with noninvasive treatments to lower inflammation, reduce stress on the affected area, and increase flexibility of muscles and ligaments. This can involve physical therapy, stretching exercises, icing the bottom of the foot, off-loading weight to allow the foot to recover, wearing supportive shoes or orthotics, and taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. If these initial treatments don’t work, or the pain is severe, an injection of corticosteroids and/or platelet-rich plasma may be recommended to fight inflammation and promote healing. In the most serious cases, surgery may be considered if conservative methods have failed to provide relief.
For diabetic patients, it’s important that any treatment for plantar fasciitis not inadvertently cause injuries that could potentially develop into a diabetic foot ulcer. Orthotics, supportive shoes, or, if prescribed, a walking cast should be carefully fitted to ensure they do not produce abrasions or blisters. In general, those with diabetes should regularly inspect their feet for cuts, sores, or other injuries and avoid going barefoot to keep their feet healthy.
At Corona Foot & Ankle, we understand the impact diabetes can have on foot health, including its effect on conditions like plantar fasciitis. We can help you recover from the heel pain that’s preventing you from being as active as you would like to be, provide preventative diabetic foot care to keep nonhealing wounds from developing in the first place, and treat any injuries with prompt attention and advanced techniques to avoid needless complications. To schedule an appointment, contact us here today.
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