Healing Plantar Fasciitis Naturally

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the heel of one or both of your feet. It is often experienced as a sharp, jabbing pain. You'll feel pain whenever you apply weight to the heel. Athletes, such as runners, and people who are overweight are more likely to experience plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia (which supports your foot's arch) becomes inflamed. This can happen due to repetitive activities that cause small tears.

Rest

• If you experience severe pain in your heel, try resting for a few days. Stay off your feet as much as possible. Restrict any unnecessary activities that would aggravate your pain. If you are an athlete and do not wish to remain completely inactive, at least cut back on your activities. Or you can substitute low-impact activities instead. Try bicycling or swimming instead of running or aerobics.

Ice

• Ice is a natural pain reliever. It can help relieve the inflammation in your heels. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a cloth. Place it on your heel and wait for about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not leave the ice on your skin for much longer than this, as it could cause damage to your tissues. Repeat this three to four times per day, especially after any activities. You can also freeze a water bottle and roll your heel over it for five minutes.

Stretching and Massage

• Regularly stretching and massaging the area can help ease the pain and inflammation. Stretch your calves by propping your toes against a wall. You can also stand on a step. Let your heel hang over the edge of the step and apply gentle downward pressure. To massage your heel, use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to the area. You can also see a professional massage therapist for treatment.

Support

• Plantar fasciitis can often be caused by improper foot support. It's important to select shoes with plenty of support and cushioning. Don't wear worn-out shoes and refrain from wearing high heels. You can also place an orthotic device inside your shoes for additional support. You can buy these over the counter or see a podiatrist for a custom-made orthotic. Another option is purchasing over-the-counter night splints. A night splint is a device that is worn over your foot while you sleep. A night splint's purpose is to gently stretch your calf muscles as you sleep. This will ease the inflammation of the area.