Plantar fascia ruptures are commonplace among athletes and anyone who participates in high-impact activities, like running, or in the case of one of our readers, jumping off a bridge. Today, we take a look at some of the causes, symptoms and treatment options for plantar fascia ruptures.
Causes of Plantar Fascia Ruptures
As we mentioned above, plantar fascia ruptures typically occur during high impact activities, like:
- Basketball
- Track and Field
- Running
- Falls
- Exercises involving jumps
Athletes who participate in those activities are at an increased risk for a plantar fascia rupture, but there are other factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of rupturing their plantar fascia. For example, individuals with an abnormal gait, structural abnormalities, improper footwear or who are overweight are all more likely to rupture their plantar fascia than others.
Symptoms of Plantar Fascia Ruptures
You might not know that you ruptured your plantar fascia the moment it happens, but you’ll certainly know there is something wrong with your foot when the injury occurs. A plantar fascia rupture is categorized by the following symptoms:
- Acute pain in the arch of your foot
- Swelling and bruising on your foot
- A popping sound at the moment of injury
- Inability to bear your full weight or push off your foot
Unlike some other foot injuries, a plantar fascia tear can occur in various parts of the fascia, not just in the arch. Additionally, a person doesn’t have to suffer a full rupture of the plantar fascia. Patients can suffer a partial tear, which can worsen if not allowed to fully heal.
Treatment of Plantar Fascia Rupture
If you believe you’ve suffered a plantar fascia rupture, one of the first things you’ll want to do is seek the care of a foot and ankle specialist. They know the in’s and out’s of the injury, and they know how best to treat it. The first thing the doctor will probably recommend is an MRI. The MRI exam will identify whether the plantar fascia is partially or fully ruptured, or if another area of the foot is causing the pain.
The good news is that even if you are diagnosed with a full or partial tear, you probably won’t need surgery, unless another problematic issue is detected. The general care for a ruptured plantar fascia is a heavy dose of rest, non-weight bearing, and over-the-counter pain/anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on the severity of the injury, you’ll need to avoid full weight-bearing for days or weeks. If you suffer a full rupture, you may be able to bear weight on the foot after a few weeks, but it could be months before you’re ready to return to intense activities, like the one that caused the fascia to rupture in the first place. Talk to your doctor to get a better understanding of your personal timeline to return to activities.
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