In the medical field, it is generally known that diabetes both causes and contributes to major foot difficulties. The two main topics that are usually brought up when discussing diabetes and foot health are Charcot foot and diabetic foot ulcers. It is necessary to give these conditions more attention, given how dangerous they are.

That being said, ignoring heel discomfort and its connection to diabetes can be a mistake!

Understanding the link between plantar fasciitis and diabetes and other foot issues associated with the disease can help you lessen and prevent damage to your lower limbs. This can therefore help you maintain your level of activity while also reducing pain and the possibility of problems.

The complete picture of the link between plantar fasciitis and diabetes is still being researched within the medical community, but we are at a point where numerous studies have established a connection between the two medical issues.

One of the common agreements amongst experts in the field is the role weight plays in how heel pain and diabetes are linked.

Nearly 90% of people with diabetes, by some estimates, are overweight for their specific body types. Being overweight is known to increase the risk of heel pain, particularly plantar fasciitis, which is currently the most prevalent cause of heel pain in people. In this blog we’ll explore about the relationship between plantar fasciitis and diabetes.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia in your foot. It is the most typical reason for heel discomfort.

The plantar fascia is a robust, fibrous band that extends from your heel to your toes and the ball of your foot. It resembles a ligament. It has the same stretch as a thick rubber band. The arch on the bottom of your foot is formed by the plantar fascia, which joins the bones of your foot.

When your plantar fascia is overworked or overextended, it might result in plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascia injury can cause swelling in the affected area. It hurts to use your foot or to walk because of this irritation. Plantar fasciitis often affects one foot at a time, but it can also strike both feet at once.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis vary, but frequently include:

• Heel or arch pain, which is frequently stronger in the morning or after extended periods spent walking or standing.
• Tightness or stiffness in the foot, which could make it challenging to walk or move.
• Redness or swelling in the afflicted area.
• Burning or aching in the foot, which could get worse in the evening.
• Sharp, intense pain in the foot’s arch or heel.

Why might diabetics be more prone to plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis may be more common among diabetics as a result of weight, sedentary lifestyles, and hyperglycemia. Because the extra weight puts more strain on your feet and plantar fascia ligaments than you would normally have, being overweight increases your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 

Sedentary lifestyles raise the risk of weight gain, which in turn raises the risk of plantar fasciitis. The other issue is that prolonged inactivity can weaken your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making them less able to support you. 

While a few days off to rest and recuperate can be beneficial, a prolonged period of inactivity, lasting weeks or months, can be detrimental to your health. 

Another reason diabetics could have plantar fasciitis is hyperglycemia. According to a recent study, there is a link between hyperglycemia and plantar fascia thickening, which increases the risk of plantar fasciitis. 

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by a medical professional through physical examination. They will examine your foot and inquire about your problems. To assess your level of pain and feel for inflammation, they may lightly touch your plantar fascia.

Inform your healthcare physician about the discomfort you’re feeling on a daily basis. Tell them the location of the discomfort on your foot as well as the time of day it aches the most.

What tests do healthcare providers use to diagnose plantar fasciitis?

A healthcare provider usually won’t need any tests to diagnose plantar fasciitis. They might use imaging tests to take pictures of your foot if they think another issue or condition is causing the pain. Some imaging tests you might need include:

• X-rays.
• An ultrasound.
• An MRI.

What are the treatment options?

Plantar fasciitis can be treated in a number of ways to help you resume your regular activities and reduce symptoms. 

Weight Loss

This is a safe, all-natural method of reducing the tension on your ankle, foot, and plantar fascia. Naturally, it’s critical to reduce weight and maintain it safely. Before starting any workout or weight-loss program, make sure to speak with medical professionals—whether it’s our office or your primary care physician!

Physical Therapy

Initially, physical therapy is advised. Your plantar fascia will be supported by stretches and exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. When you are not receiving physical therapy, they might also suggest some at-home treatments for you to try.

Home treatments could include: 

• Supportive shoes
• Low impact sports
• Cold compress
• Stretching

Night Splints

You can keep your foot and calves stretched out at night by using night splints. These could facilitate getting up. 

Cortisol Injections

Steroid injections into the foot are known as foot injections. Steroids can raise blood glucose levels and lead to more difficulties, therefore this is a suitable alternative for someone without diabetes. 

Orthopedic therapy

Custom orthotics may distribute uneven force and stress throughout the whole foot while also adding extra arch support, which reduces the pressure on your plantar fascia and avoids overstretching.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Sound waves are used in extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a process that promotes tissue repair and healing. 

Ultrasonic Tissue Repair

With ultrasonic tissue healing, the ligament can mend itself by stimulating the tissue with ultrasound energy and a probe. 

Surgery

Surgery is a last resort that should only be considered if all other measures have failed and the patient is experiencing excruciating discomfort. During the procedure, the plantar fascia and heel bone are separated.

Risk factors

Plantar fasciitis can arise for no apparent reason, but there are a few things that can make it more likely for you to get it. Among them are:

Age. Ages 40 to 60 are the most typical range for plantar fasciitis cases.

Specific forms of physical activity. Plantar fasciitis can develop as a result of activities that put a lot of strain on your heel and the tissue that connects it, such as long-distance running, ballet, and aerobic dance.

Foot functions. The way your weight is distributed when standing might be impacted by flat feet, high arches, or even an unusual gait pattern, which can strain the plantar fascia more.

Being overweight. Extra weight puts additional strain on your plantar fascia.

Work that requires you to be always on the move. Individuals who work in factories, classrooms, or other environments where they must walk or stand on hard surfaces for extended periods of time may be more susceptible to plantar fasciitis.

Conclusion

Heel discomfort is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis. If you have heel or foot discomfort that doesn’t go away after a week, see a healthcare professional. They’ll assist you in locating at-home remedies to lessen your foot’s discomfort and inflammation.

Finding out you have to miss a week or more of your favorite sport or hobby is always inconvenient. But take your time returning to the court or field. If you overstress your foot before it heals, you could re-injure your plantar fascia.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

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