Plantar Fasciitis Treatments That Help Reduce Pain and Start Tissue Healing
Chronic plantar fasciitis is frustrating since it's difficult to go about your usual activities when you have foot pain. A podiatrist can help manage your condition so your foot tissues have a chance to heal and so you can prevent future flareups. However, a full recovery could take months, and if you resume running too soon, your pain could get worse. Here are some treatments that might help your plantar fasciitis whether one or both feet are affected.
Rest Your Feet When Possible
The plantar fascia runs along the bottom of your foot and supports the arch. It is under stress when you do high-impact activities such as run and jump. You don't have to become sedentary while you're recovering from this foot condition, but you may need to stop running and take up other forms of exercise, such as swimming.
When you're at home, you may want to elevate your feet and massage them to increase circulation, which can help you heal. You can also try resting the soles of your feet on ice. The pain from plantar fasciitis is made worse when the tissues are inflamed. Ice helps reduce inflammation, and that can reduce pain.
Change Your Footwear
You can buy shoes made for people with plantar fasciitis. You can also buy orthotics to place in your shoes; orthotics cushion your heels and support your arches. However, you may want to talk to your podiatrist and get advice for the right footwear and orthotics to wear, especially if you have to stay on your feet all day.
Wearing inappropriate shoes can stress your plantar fascia even more and cause further injury and more pain. The shoes need proper cushioning and support. The shoes you wear while recovering can also help prevent future problems with plantar fasciitis, so you may want to invest in high-quality footwear, especially if you buy sports shoes for running or walking.
Do Stretches Daily
Your podiatrist might teach you stretching exercises to do daily, or they might even send you to a physical therapist for treatments. Stretches are an important part of recovering from plantar fasciitis and they're easy to do while you're at work, at home, or on the go.
Your podiatrist might recommend wearing a brace when you sleep at night that holds your toes in a lifted position so your plantar fascia stays stretched at night. This reduces the pain you might normally feel when you first stand and walk after being off of your feet all night.
Receive Medical Treatments
Resting, stretching, and waiting are often enough to allow your fascia to heal. If not, your podiatrist has other treatments to try. These might include corticosteroid injections, shock wave therapy, ultrasound treatments, platelet-rich plasma injections, or even surgery when needed.
If you have heel pain that isn't getting better or that interferes with your ability to stay active, visit a podiatrist to get a diagnosis and treatment. Foot pain can limit your activities, interfere with your sleep, and make your life miserable. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help.
To learn more, contact a treatment center like Advanced Foot Clinic.