Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis In Diabetes Patients

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common degenerative disorders that affect the plantar fascia ligament and causes sharp heel pain. This disorder is most common among runners, people who are overweight, diabetes patients, or older people between the ages of 40 and 60. 

The initial management of plantar fasciitis usually includes physical therapy, stretching exercises or surgery. However, before dwelling more on the treatment options, let’s understand how plantar fasciitis is related to diabetes and what are its symptoms. 

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is the stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. It is usually noticeable in the mornings when you take your first steps. However, as you continue moving, the pain normally reduces. It might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting. 

Connection Between Plantar Fasciitis and Diabetes

Diabetes patients are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis due to the following three main factors: 

• Obesity: Obesity is one of the main complications of both diabetes and plantar fasciitis. Being overweight increases the pressure on your feet and plantar fascia ligament more than you would normally have, eventually causing inflammation in the ligament.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Most diabetes patients are known to have a sedentary lifestyle. It is also a major cause of plantar fasciitis as it increases the chances of gaining weight. In addition, physical inactivity causes muscles, tendons and ligaments to become weak and incapable of supporting you.  
• Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. High blood sugar levels thicken the plantar fascia ligament and eventually cause inflammation and pain. 

How To Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

There are many treatment options available to manage plantar fasciitis and relieve its symptoms. However, the best mode of treatment will be determined by the doctor based on the condition of your plantar fascia ligament and diabetes health.

Some of the common treatment options for plantar fasciitis include:

• Physical Therapy

It is the first course of treatment in which the physical therapist helps you do stretches and exercises that support your plantar fascia ligament. They may also recommend some home remedies to manage plantar fasciitis, such as wearing supportive shoes, playing low-impact sports, using a cold compress, stretching, etc.  

• Night Splints

Night splints are braces or bands for your feet that help keep your foot and calf stretched out at night. They help to get up and take the first steps in the morning easily. 

• Orthotics

Orthotics are custom-made arch support to stabilise the plantar fascia ligament and give it time to heal properly. It is one of the most successful treatments for plantar fasciitis. 

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

This treatment option uses sound waves to stimulate healing and tissue repair in the plantar fascia ligament. 

• Ultrasonic Tissue Repair

This procedure uses a probe and ultrasound energy to stimulate the tissue in the plantar fascia ligament so that it can repair itself. 

• Surgery

Surgery is usually the last treatment option and is only used when all the other options fail to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. In this surgery, the doctor detaches the plantar fascia ligament from the heel bone to relieve pain completely. 

Complications of Plantar Fasciitis

If you ignore plantar fasciitis and do not get the treatment on time, it can result in chronic heel pain that may hinder your regular activities. It may also cause foot, knee, hip and back problems in the future. 

In Summary

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot disorder that causes sharp heel pain, usually in the mornings. It is highly common in diabetes patients due to factors like sedentary lifestyle, obesity and hyperglycemia.

If ignored, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic pain. Therefore, it must be treated on time. There are many ways to treat plantar fasciitis, such as physical therapy, ultrasonic tissue repair, surgery, etc. 

References

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14709-plantar-fasciitis
• https://www.healthline.com/health/plantar-fasciitis
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6932628/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7183784/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340822572_Plantar_Fasciitis_in_Diabetic_Foot_Patients_Risk_Factors_Pathophysiology_Diagnosis_and_Management
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846