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What are the Different Types of Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes sharp pain in the heel of the foot. Overuse that results in a strain or tear of plantar fascia tissue in the heel leaves the area inflamed, irritated, and highly sensitive. There are many different plantar fasciitis treatment options available, depending on the severity of a person's foot pain. Pain can often be relieved in about one month by resting the afflicted foot as much as possible, applying ice packs, and wearing comfortable shoes with over-the-counter cushioning inserts. A more serious case of plantar fasciitis should be inspected by a doctor, who may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, order custom orthotics, or suggest surgery and physical therapy.

The most common form of plantar fasciitis treatment is simply resting the foot and avoiding intensive activities, such as running or playing sports. By relieving the pressure and strain placed on the foot during activity, the plantar fascia tissue has a chance to heal itself. Applying ice to the heel several times a day helps to numb the tissue and reduce pain, and massaging the foot regularly can decrease built-up tension.

Shoe insoles can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.
Shoe insoles can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.

Many people find that arch-supporting shoe inserts can reduce plantar fasciitis pain when walking and standing. A cushioning shoe insert helps to protect inflamed tissue from friction. Doctors often recommend that, along with comfortable shoes and inserts, people try to stretch their calf muscles and Achilles tendons thoroughly before walking or running. Improving flexibility in the lower leg and Achilles tendon takes strain off the plantar fascia and improves stability in the ankle.

Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

An individual with severe, persistent pain in one or both heels should visit his or her primary care doctor to learn about other plantar fasciitis treatment options. A physician can conduct a physical examination and take an x-ray of the heel to make sure that pain is not being caused by another problem, such as a bone fracture. Once plantar fasciitis has been officially diagnosed, the doctor can determine how to treat it effectively.

Plantar fasciitis often causes feet to hurt in the morning.
Plantar fasciitis often causes feet to hurt in the morning.

Some cases can be alleviated with prescription medications, including oral anti-inflammatory drugs and topical corticosteroid creams. Specialists may also fit a patient with custom orthotic shoes or shoe inserts that cushion feet and provide support. Splints that help stretch the Achilles tendons and calf muscles are another option for plantar fasciitis treatment. If no other plantar fasciitis treatment is effective, an individual may need to undergo surgery to repair torn plantar fascia tissue, followed by several months of physical therapy sessions to regain strength.

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    • Shoe insoles can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.
      Shoe insoles can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.
    • Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
      By: Lovrencg
      Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
    • Plantar fasciitis often causes feet to hurt in the morning.
      By: bryndin
      Plantar fasciitis often causes feet to hurt in the morning.
    • Massaging a foot regularly can decrease built-up tension caused by plantar fasciitis.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Massaging a foot regularly can decrease built-up tension caused by plantar fasciitis.
    • Treatment for plantar fasciitis can depend on how much pain a person is experiencing.
      By: bilderzwerg
      Treatment for plantar fasciitis can depend on how much pain a person is experiencing.
    • Stretching exercises are the most productive treatment to alleviate discomfort from plantar fasciitis.
      By: and.one
      Stretching exercises are the most productive treatment to alleviate discomfort from plantar fasciitis.
    • A podiatrist may advise prescription orthotics to help people with painful plantar fasciitis.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      A podiatrist may advise prescription orthotics to help people with painful plantar fasciitis.