Treating Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia, which is found on the bottom of your feet, plays an important role in supporting your arches. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is stretched and torn to the point that it becomes inflamed and irritated. People who are overweight or who are athletic runners, as well as pregnant women and people who do not wear shoes with sufficient support are particularly at risk for developing plantar fasciitis. The most prominent symptom is a stabbing pain in the heel of your foot.

Medications

• There are a few over the counter products you can try to relieve your pain. Try an non-steroidal anti-inflamatory such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These may also help reduce the inflammation. You can also discuss corticosteroids with your doctor. Corticosteroids can be injected; however if you have multiple injections, the corticosteroids can weaken the fascia and it may even rupture. Corticosteroids can also be administered with a process called iontophoresis. In this method, the corticosteroid solution is topically applied to your skin and an electric current is used to help it absorb. The electric current is not painful.

Physical Therapy

• Discuss your symptoms with a physical therapist. She can help you learn how to use athletic taping to provide your foot with additional support. Your therapist can also guide you in several exercises and stretches that will help strengthen the muscles around your heels and ankles and to stretch the fascia and Achilles tendon.

Orthotics and Splints

• Orthotics are simple contraptions that you can put in your shoes for additional support. You can buy them over the counter or have custom orthotics made to fit your feet. Orthotics can help relieve your pain and give your heels extra padding. You can also consider using a night splint, which is a device that you wear while sleeping. Night splints will help stretch the fascia and Achilles tendon and may help reduce morning pain.

Other Remedies

• It is important to rest as frequently as you can. Being on your feet all day is not conducive to healing plantar fasciitis. Stretching can also help. Roll the arch of your foot gently on a tennis ball or similar object. You can also stand on a slant board or on the edge of a step with your heel over the edge to stretch the calves, which will aid the plantar fascia. For more immediate pain relief, apply an ice pack to the area for about 20 minutes at a time, several times per day. Do not use ice longer than this, as you may damage your skin and other tissues.

Surgery

• Surgical procedures for treating plantar fasciitis is considered a potentially dangerous, last-resort option and should only be considered when all other treatment options fail. The surgeon can separate the heel bone from the plantar fascia, which releases tension. This surgery may result in the arch of your foot weakening. If you have a heel spur in addition to plantar fasciitis, your surgeon can also remove the heel spur.