How to prepare for a video visit about Plantar Fasciitis

Audience: adult

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. Preparing for a video visit about plantar fasciitis can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, daily activities, and may ask you to show your foot and heel on camera. You can expect to discuss pain patterns, possible causes, and treatment options such as rest, stretching, and footwear changes. Telemedicine is useful for education, symptom review, and general advice, but some cases may require in-person evaluation for imaging or procedures. Preparing ahead with information about your symptoms and questions can help make your visit effective and comfortable.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe heel pain that suddenly worsens or does not improve with rest — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your foot or toes — these may indicate nerve involvement requiring in-person assessment.
• Visible swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel or foot, which could suggest infection or other serious conditions — seek prompt care.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing and discussing symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
• Providing education on foot care, stretching exercises, and footwear advice.
• Monitoring symptom progress and response to treatment plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring touch or detailed assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Providing urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms that may indicate complications.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. It often causes stabbing heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The condition is common among adults who stand or walk a lot, are overweight, or wear unsupportive shoes.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows your healthcare provider to learn about your symptoms and see your foot. They can guide you through simple tests, suggest stretches and exercises, and recommend footwear changes. Telemedicine is convenient and can help you manage symptoms early or follow up on treatment progress.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform physical tests that require hands-on examination, such as detailed foot palpation or specialized imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual, an in-person visit may be necessary for further tests or treatments.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your visit, gather information about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any previous treatments you've tried. Wear comfortable clothing and have a safe space to show your foot on camera. Prepare questions you want to ask your provider about managing plantar fasciitis.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your pain, daily activities, and medical history. They may ask you to point to the areas of pain and perform simple foot movements on camera. Based on this, they will discuss treatment options and self-care tips to reduce pain and improve foot health.

Follow-Up and When to Seek In-Person Care

If your symptoms improve, your provider may suggest follow-up video visits to monitor progress. However, if pain worsens, you develop swelling, numbness, or difficulty walking, you should seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when your heel pain started and any factors that affect it.
• List any treatments or remedies you have tried so far.
• Prepare to show your foot and heel clearly on camera during the visit.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure you have a quiet, well-lit space for the video call.
• Check that your device’s camera and microphone are working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the self-care advice and exercises provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use recommended footwear or orthotic supports as advised.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or improvements.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits if suggested.
• Seek in-person care if you notice any red-flag symptoms or if pain worsens.
• Maintain communication with your provider about your progress.

FAQs

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repeated strain on the plantar fascia, which can happen from activities like running, prolonged standing, wearing unsupportive shoes, or having flat feet or high arches.

Can I treat plantar fasciitis at home?

Yes, many people find relief with rest, stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and using ice on the heel. However, it's important to get advice from a healthcare provider to ensure proper care.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your heel pain is severe, worsens despite treatment, or is accompanied by numbness, swelling, or difficulty walking, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Will I need imaging tests?

Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds are not always needed but may be recommended if your symptoms do not improve or if your provider suspects other conditions.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

Plantar fasciitis often improves with time and proper care, but it can take weeks to months. Early treatment and lifestyle changes can help speed recovery.

Sources

1. Plantar Fasciitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Plantar Fasciitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, or any red-flag signs, please seek prompt in-person evaluation.