Plantar fasciitis is a condition of the heel and arch of the foot that causes intense pain. It makes walking or, in severe cases, putting even the slightest pressure on the heel very difficult. Up to 10 percent of the US population experiences heel pain during part of their lives. While about one percent of the US population continuously lives with plantar fasciitis. Without treatment, it can take between 6 to 18 months to resolve. However, it can go away within six months following proper treatment. But how do you know your treatment is working or not! Here are five signs that indicate your plantar fasciitis is healing!

Morning Pain Has Decreased In Severity!

Pain due to plantar fasciitis is worst in the morning. It is due to increased blood flow to the feet that brings cytokines and increases inflammation. However, if your morning pain has decreased in severity or your first steps after a rest have become more manageable, it is a sign your plantar fasciitis is healing. Pain-free mornings are a promising sign that you are on the right track.

Pain Has Localized To The Heel!

The pain of plantar fasciitis tends to spread from the heel to the arch, ankle, or rest of the foot. However, as plantar fasciitis heals, the pain returns to its original site. That is to say to the bottom of the heel. If you have found that your arch or the ankle does not hurt anymore, it is a promising sign that you are heading toward recovery.

Your Range Of Motion Has Improved

In severe plantar fasciitis, the ability to perform exercises is limited. The heel can not bear even the slightest pressure, let alone pulling the toes or calf stretching.

As the plantar fasciitis heals, your ability to perform these exercises gets better as well. Pulling the toes, stretching the calf muscles, or doing other foot exercises does not cause much pain anymore. Improvement in your foot motion is a positive sign of a recovering plantar fascia.

Your Knees, Hips, Or Lower Back Don’t Hurt Anymore!

Severe plantar fasciitis also causes pain in the knee, hips, or even the lower back. It is because, during plantar fasciitis, your gait changes to reduce the pain as you walk. It increases stress on the knees and hips, and as a result, they begin to ache as well. However, if your knees or hips don’t hurt anymore, it is a good signal that you are approaching a permanent relief.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms Are Fading!

Pain is the most prominent symptom of plantar fasciitis. Other symptoms include swelling and bruising of the heel and calf and foot muscle tightness. If you notice a decrease in overall pain, swelling, and stiffness in your foot and calf muscles, it is an encouraging sign that your plantar fasciitis is healing.

However, do not be discouraged if you have not seen these signs yet. Plantar fasciitis recovery is complicated and takes time.