Are you one of the two million Americans affected by plantar fasciitis? If so, you should know that the road to recovery may be long and uneven.

The big issue with plantar fasciitis is that it’s hard to avoid using your feet. When every step can inflict pain, the recovery process seems painfully slow.

The good news: if you’re patient, your troubles will eventually go away. Read on for a list of five clear signs plantar fasciitis is healing!

1. Localized Pain

Plantar fasciitis pain tends to radiate from your heel and foot into the calf and ankle. This pain then affects your walking pattern, leading to pain in your knees. Severe plantar fasciitis can even reach your hips and lower back.

This is why localized pain in your foot is a good sign. The less pain radiates from your foot, the less stress you’ll have put on your knees. Once you’re able to walk normally, you’ll know your condition is improving.

2. Easier Mornings

Another sign of plantar fasciitis healing is the lack of pain when you get out of bed. This is the time of the day when plantar fasciitis pain hits the hardest. It’s sharp, stabbing, and seems to last forever.

If your mornings are now less painful, there’s likely been a reduction in inflammation. This is a good sign, particularly if you’re recovering from foot surgery.

3. Better Range of Motion

Stretching is an underrated plantar fasciitis treatment. Many people don’t stretch because an inflamed fascia makes it painful. In the long run, though, this will improve the fascia’s flexibility and help it handle stress.

Have you noticed that your calf stretches are getting easier? That’s a good indicator that your range of motion is improving. The more you can move your feet and toes, the less pain you can expect in the future.

4. Lack of Swelling

If you’re suffering from severe plantar fasciitis, you’ll notice swelling around your heel or arch. This means your plantar fascia is inflamed and may have micro-tears. It’s often accompanied by foot or ankle tightness.

This type of swelling shouldn’t take that long to subside. If you continue to experience foot or ankle pain, consider consulting an expert. If you’re already in foot surgery recovery, give your fascia more time to heal.

5. Increased Strength

Once your swelling goes away, you’ll be able to build strength again. As your feet get stronger, your condition will improve. You can tell this is happening if you only notice pain after prolonged physical activity.

The same applies to your everyday routine. The less you think about your pain, the easier your day-to-day activities will be. Be patient, though: getting to this point in plantar fasciitis recovery can take months.

More Signs Plantar Fasciitis Is Healing

The above indicators are the most common signs plantar fasciitis is healing. As you can see, it’s all about the gradual decrease in pain. As long as you give yourself time to heal, the pain will go away.

Not sure if your plantar fasciitis will require surgery? The Flint Foot and Ankle Institute can help you find out! If you live in Boise, Idaho, schedule an appointment with us today!