If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. This condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Symptoms include heel pain, stiffness, and swelling. In most cases, plantar fasciitis can be treated with conservative methods such as rest, ice, and compression. In this article, we will discuss the best way to treat plantar fasciitis.
How To Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
There are many ways that you can treat plantar fasciitis. Some people may require surgery, while others may only need over-the-counter medications or simple stretches and exercises. The best way to treat plantar fasciitis will vary depending on the individual case. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is important to consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and find the best treatment plan for you. There are many ways to treat plantar fasciitis, depending on the severity of the injury and how long you have had it.
Here are some of the most common treatments:
- Stretching And Strengthening Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises are great ways to treat plantar fasciitis. These exercises will not only help you overcome the pain, but also reduce inflammation in your foot. The best ones include calf stretches and Achilles’ tendons stretches which can be done anywhere at any time by simply standing on one leg while holding onto something stable with both hands or using an elastic band around your ankles while sitting down. You can find many different stretches and exercises online or through a physical therapist.
- Orthotics
Orthotics are another way to treat plantar fasciitis. These devices help reduce the stress on your foot by providing support and cushioning where needed most. Orthotics can be found in many different styles, but they all work by providing extra padding under pressure points like arches or heels without having any effect on other parts of the body such as knees hips, and more, so that when used properly can significantly decrease pain caused from repetitive motions such as walking, and running. Orthotics can be found at most pharmacies or sporting goods stores, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Consult with a doctor or specialist to get fitted for the best orthotic device for you.
- Choose Comfort Shoes
Choosing shoes that are comfortable and supportive is one of the best ways to treat plantar fasciitis. These should be worn for at least two weeks after an injury or surgery before switching back into regular footwear again. However, it may take some time before you find a pair of shoes that work well with your foot type so don’t give up. We recommend trying different styles until something feels right to you, this might mean buying multiple pairs just in case they don’t fit perfectly but will provide support while wearing them around town during daily activities such as walking through grocery stores, shopping centers, and more.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis. If you are experiencing a great deal of pain, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication. However, it is important to note that these medications should only be taken for a short period (usually two weeks) and not regularly or they can cause other health problems.
- Get More Rest
Rest is one of the most important things you can do when trying to recover from plantar fasciitis. This means avoiding excessive exercise, standing for long periods, and walking on hard surfaces. Try to rest your foot as much as possible and use ice packs or compression wraps to help reduce swelling.
- Apply Ice
Applying ice to your foot is another great way to reduce inflammation and pain. You can either use a cold pack or an ice cube wrapped in a towel. Apply for fifteen minutes at a time, several times per day.
- Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat plantar fasciitis. This is usually the last resort and is only used if other methods have failed. Surgery involves cutting the plantar fascia to reduce inflammation and pain. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is with a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics, comfort shoes, anti-inflammatory medications, and more rest. Plantar fasciitis can be painful so you must do what you can to get relief from the pain as soon as possible. If these treatments don’t work for you or your symptoms worsen over time, surgery may be an option. We hope this information has been helpful. Give us a call if we can help in any other ways, our office would love to hear from you.
Do You Need Help Treating Plantar Fasciitis?
The Shoe Doctor in Dublin, California has specialized in providing custom orthotics for over 20 years. The right custom orthotic insoles can greatly reduce foot, knee, and hip pain while increasing performance and comfort. Russell at The Shoe Doctor will help educate and assist you in finding the perfect solution for your particular situation. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make custom orthotics for your hiking boots, everyday shoes, and everything else in between. These orthotics, along with our expert advice, will get you using orthotics like a pro, and have you performing at the peak of your abilities in no time! If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, schedule your free consultation here!
