Plantar Fasciitis: Alejandra’s Race to Recovery
Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate
Background:
Alejandra is a physical education teacher in Córdoba who loves running marathons. Alejandra is a avid soccer player and has been training for a upcoming marathon. She began experiencing stabbing pain in her heel, especially after waking up or running long distances.
Our Patient:
Alejandra is a 29 year old
Location: Córdoba, Argentina 🇦🇷
Condition: Plantar Fasciitis
Presentation of Symptoms:
She began having heel pain especially in the morning when she first woke up. She could barely walk until she stretched out her foot and several minutes of walking. After ignoring persistent heel pain, she finds herself unable to train. A sports medicine specialist diagnoses her with plantar fasciitis and prescribes rest, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication. Alejandra’s access to private healthcare ensures she receives custom orthotics and physical therapy, enabling a quicker recovery. Her case contrasts with others who face barriers to timely treatment.
Key Symptoms:
- Morning stiffness.
- Pain that improves after walking but returns with prolonged standing.
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel.
- Swelling in the arch area.
- Heel pain aggravated by running.
- Tightness in the arches after exercise.
- Her symptoms impact her daily activities and exercise routine.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
Diagnosis: Plantar fasciitis caused by overuse and improper footwear.
Overuse injury leading to plantar fasciitis.
Treatment Plan:
- Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia.
- Custom orthotics and supportive shoes.
- Physical therapy sessions.
- Temporary cessation of running.
Complications:
Without treatment, chronic pain could develop, potentially limiting her ability to teach and exercise.
Training delays impacting Alejandra’s fitness goals.
Cultural and Family Support:
- Family encouraged Alejandra to pursue her marathon passion despite challenges.
- Private healthcare coverage provided quicker recovery options.
Life Today:
With appropriate treatment Alejandra can obtain a good outcome: her pain decreases with treatment, and she can resume her running routine.
Ignoring recommendations and not allowing appropriate healing time or wearing appropriate orthotics she can have Bad Outcome: ignoring treatment leads to chronic pain, forcing her to stop teaching and running and possibly requiring surgery.
