Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the heel and makes it difficult to walk normally, especially first thing in the morning. Fortunately, the discomfort can often be alleviated with exercise and home care. However, in some cases, you need to visit a foot doctor to get relief. If you’re not sure if you should see a doctor, learn the three signs that you need professional treatment.

Gravity

The severity of your heel pain is often the best indicator of whether you should see a foot doctor for your plantar fasciitis. The discomfort is usually worse in the morning or after other periods of inactivity when the heel tissue is tense; the pain often subsides as you become more active. You may also feel more uncomfortable in bare feet or in shoes with little padding on the soles. If your pain does not decrease as you move more or put on a supportive pair of shoes, you should make an appointment with a medical professional.

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Plantar fasciitis pain is usually sharpest when you put weight on your feet. That’s what makes walking, running, and many other activities so uncomfortable. However, if your heel discomfort continues even when you have no weight on it, you should call your podiatrist for professional treatment.

Duration

It can take months to get rid of the pain with plantar fasciitis treatment. If you are trying home treatment and exercises, you need to be patient so it has time to work. However, if your discomfort becomes chronic, it is usually a sign that you should see a doctor. When you have heel pain that lasts longer than seven days, even after icing, resting, and treating with over-the-counter pain relievers, you should see a foot doctor. Take note of how long it takes for the heel pain to go away as you move; if it starts to take longer and longer, seek medical attention, even if you haven’t had any discomfort for a week.

When you see your doctor, treatment may vary depending on the severity of your condition. Rest is usually recommended, and you may also need to modify the way you walk and run. If you’re an avid runner, you may need to switch to a different form of exercise, such as swimming, to avoid putting too much stress on your heel. Massaging and stretching the area is also generally recommended to help loosen the tightness. A night splint may also be recommended, as it can help to gently stretch inflamed tissue while you sleep. Your foot doctor may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications. In extreme cases, steroid injections into the heel may be necessary.

You should be aware that it can take up to three months for the symptoms to disappear. Usually, the longer you have been experiencing plantar fasciitis, the longer it will take to go away.