How to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition. The tissue between your heel bone and toes is affected. Commonly, you may feel pain at the bottom of the heel and foot. It’s also normal among runners and those with flat feet. However, overweight people and those on their feet a lot can also be affected. So, will plantar fasciitis pain go away on its own?
Will Plantar Fasciitis Subside without Treatment?
In most cases, plantar fasciitis will go away with a little work. And your foot will return to normal within 6 to 12 months. However, You can ease your pain by trying these remedies:
Rest: Keep weight off your foot while it is healing
Ice: Ice is an effective way to treat inflammation. Place an ice pack on your heel 3x a day. However, don’t use it for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Pain relievers: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce inflammation and pain.
Stretching: Stretch the Achilles tendon and your calves. You can also exercise the bottom of your foot. Exercising the lower leg will make your muscles stronger, stabilize the ankle, and ease the pain. It also prevents plantar fasciitis from returning.
Also see, Top Plantar Fasciitis Stretches
Additional Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Athletic tape: Tape supports your foot. It can prevent you from moving in ways that aggravate plantar fasciitis.
Shoe inserts: Insoles, arch supports, and orthotics, will all give you a little extra cushion, and added support. They can be custom made or bought over-the-counter. Although choosing a firmer insole and arch support are better. However, magnetic insoles don’t work.
Heel cups: Your heel pounds the ground with every step, and puts tension on your plantar fascia. Therefore, use footpads to raise the heel. Bonus, they also relieve tension and provide cushion support! Heel cups are cheaper than insoles but do not work as well.
Night splints: Most people sleep with their feet pointed downward. But this can shorten the plantar fascia. Therefore, wearing night splints can help keep your feet at a 90-degree angle during sleep. So, the plantar fascia stays stretched instead of shortened. You only need to wear a splint until the pain is gone.
Walking cast: A doctor may recommend a walking cast or boot. These control ankle movement. This CAM (controlled ankle motion) Walker forces the foot to rest. Therefore, relieving pain. However, the pain may return when the cast is removed. So, you will likely need other treatment options too.
If you are still having difficulty with your plantar fasciitis or if you are experiencing reoccurrences, it’s important to seek medical help. Call us today at 888-409-8006. Our top podiatrist offers conservative and non-conservative treatment methods!