Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

There are many different treatment options available nowadays for Plantar Fasciitis. Some better than others. Some are short-term, other methods provide long-term heel pain relief. Usually a combination of treatment options provides the most effective relief. Patients usually have x-ray scans taken of the heel area, which may show some spur growth at the calcaneus. Heel spurs are actually not causing any pain, but are rather stimulated by pain i.e. the problem of Plantar Fasciitis. The following treatment options are recommended:

1) Rest: to completely rest your feet, means no walking or standing whatsoever, which is practically impossible for anybody! Basically one should cease any sports, walking distances, playing golf etc for a number of weeks. Also try and avoid standing for periods of more than 10-20 minutes. This will give the ligaments a chance to recover, or at least will stop the condition from worsening. Most importantly avoid any walking or standing barefoot on hard floors and tiles, as this will surely aggravate Plantar Fasciitis. Also avoid walking up-hill.

2) Anti-inflammatories: A short-term treatment for Plantar Fasciitis, but it will generally help most patients to get through their day. Painkillers like Ibuprofen reduce inflammation and therefore pain, but they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the excessive tension placed on the Plantar fascia.

3) Massage: a light and gentle massage of the Plantar Fascia in the first couple of week at the on-set of Plantar Fasciitis can be beneficial, as it will help make the fascia somewhat more flexible.

4) Cortisone-steroid injections: cortisone is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. The chemical is injected usually by your family pracitioner (GP) directly into the heel. This can be a very painful experience, but it will provide relief by eleminating the inflammation.

5) Orthotics: Plantar Fasciitis treatment with orthotics is usually effective because it treats the cause of this condition i.e. poor foot function and lowering of the arches. By supporting the arches and correcting one’s gait, tension on the plantar fascia is greatly reduced. When combined with other treatment methods such as exercises, ice and a night splint, orthotic treatment can be a very beneficial treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and provide long term relief.

6) Night splints: a night splint is a padded device with side straps that are used to pull the foot up (i.e. toes pointing towards the shins) and maintain this position. This way the plantar fascia remain a full length whilst you’re asleep. This gentle continuous stretch makes the fascia longer and more flexible, reducing the pull on the heel bone attachment. This type of treatment for plantar fasciitis can work well, especially in conjunction with other types of treatment.

7) Footwear: supportive footwear is important in reducing stress and strain placed upon the feet. A strong heel counter is important. It’s okay to have a small heel under the shoe, rather than completely flat shoes. Raising the heel slightly reduces over-pronation and rolling in of the ankle joint. Avoid wearing flip-flops in summer, sandals and and other non-supportive footwear. You can’t go wrong with joggers, trainers etc.

8) Ice therapy: ice therapy is always useful for Plantar Fasciitis treatment as it reduces the inflammation. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas for about 5-10 mins, about twice or 3 times a day.

9) Plantar Fasciitis Exercises: special daily exercises have proven to be one of the more successful treatment methods for heel pain. When done first thing in the morning and when wearing an orthotic shoe insert throughout the day, these exercises can prove very beneficial. Especially calf muscle stretches are important. Also, gentle stretching and lengthening of the plantar fascia can be very effective.

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