Can you run with plantar fasciitis?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Patients with plantar fasciitis should absolutely avoid running, as running can increase the pressure on the sole of the foot, leading to a worsening of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you want to exercise while suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is recommended to go swimming, as swimming does not put pressure on the feet. Additionally, swimming can provide proper stretching of the plantar fascia, which can help alleviate pain symptoms and aid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Currently, there are two main clinical treatments: the first is conservative treatment, such as rest, massage, acupuncture, and injection therapy to alleviate local pain. If these treatments are ineffective or if the pain gradually worsens, surgical treatment may be necessary. The goals of surgery are to release the plantar fascia and to remove bone spurs to help relieve pain.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis relies on the doctor's physical examination, the patient's symptoms, and imaging tests which serve as auxiliary examinations. These tests help to rule out other conditions such as bone spurs or osteoarthritis, as well as other abnormal lesions. Once these possibilities are excluded, a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis can be made. Typically, there are specific tender points on the foot, which could be singular or multiple. Improvements can often be achieved through appropriate measures such as heat application, physical therapy, rest, and, if necessary, electrical stimulation or pain point injection treatment. However, excessive weight-bearing activities could potentially lead to a recurrence of the symptoms in the later stages.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

For the disease of plantar fasciitis, if treated under normal conventional methods, the recovery time is generally around four to six weeks. However, during the treatment period, it is crucial to strictly follow the treatment principles, such as prohibiting excessive weight-bearing walking, strenuous exercise, and overworking. At the same time, some physical therapy methods should be coordinated, such as massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and magnetotherapy. In more severe cases, occlusion methods can be used to alleviate local pain. Generally, the time frame is four to six weeks. If the results from regular conservative treatment are not satisfactory, surgical treatment may be required later on.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How is plantar fasciitis treated?

For the treatment of plantar fasciitis, there are currently two approaches clinically. The first is conservative treatment, which includes the following options: The first is rest, meaning to minimize weight-bearing walking and rest as much as possible. The second is to use heat application, such as applying a hot towel to the sole of the foot for 10-20 minutes each day, twice a day, which can help increase local blood circulation and alleviate pain. The third is the use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medications, as well as medications that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to relieve local pain. The fourth is extracorporeal shock wave therapy for relief. The fifth, and most commonly used, is injection therapy, but it is important to note that there are clear limits on the number of times injection therapy can be used. If conservative treatment does not work for over six months, or if the symptoms of plantar fasciitis progressively worsen, surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Do you need to take an X-ray for plantar fasciitis?

Patients with plantar fasciitis need to have imaging done, as many people with plantar fasciitis also develop heel spurs. Therefore, imaging can be used to check if the patient has heel spurs. In addition to imaging, it is also necessary to perform color ultrasound or MRI. These examinations can reveal local edema in the plantar fascia, indicating some damage to the plantar fascia, and even the presence of aseptic inflammation. It is also necessary to combine the patient's medical history, physical examination, and clinical signs to diagnose plantar fasciitis comprehensively. However, imaging is a very necessary part of the examination process.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Can plantar fasciitis be treated with moxibustion?

Plantar fasciitis can be alleviated by moxibustion to relieve foot pain, but solely relying on moxibustion may not be very effective. In treating plantar fasciitis, it's important first to understand that the main causes of the condition are excessive loading, over-exertion, and degeneration of the fascia due to aging. The primary treatment for this condition is rest, avoiding excessive exertion. At the same time, other treatments such as shock wave therapy, acupuncture, or local injections can also be utilized. If conservative treatments have been applied for over six months without relief of pain, or if the pain gradually worsens, surgery may be needed to provide relief.