Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis Pain: An Overview

Do you feel a stabbing pain in the heel of your foot when you get up in the morning? You may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. The pain usually gets better but returns when you stand for a long period or when you rise from a sitting position. If the pain persists, visit an ankle and foot center in The Woodlands, TX. A doctor can recommend many remedies like the following to reduce your symptoms and treat your condition.

Rest and Ice

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’ll need to rest until the inflammation goes down. Ice will help reduce the swelling in your foot. Put an ice pack in a towel or get a bag of frozen vegetables and apply it to the bottom of your foot. Keep the ice on your foot for 15 or 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a day. Another simple remedy is to put ice water into a shallow pan and soak your heel for 10 or 15 minutes a few times a day.

Using Supports

Taping your foot will keep you from moving it in a way that aggravates your plantar fasciitis. Place extra cushion in your shoe, for example, add an insole, arch support, or heel pad. Your doctor may recommend you wear a splint. If other supports don’t work, your doctor may suggest a boot or cast to control your foot and ankle movement.

Wearing a splint while you sleep can help. Usually, when you sleep, your feet are pointed down. This shortens the plantar fascia (the ligament in your heel) and the Achilles tendon. A splint will keep your foot at a 90-degree angle, stretching your plantar fascia.

Medication

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin, can help with pain and reduce swelling caused by plantar fasciitis. The NSAIDs are not permanent solutions as they only mask the problem. If NSAIDs don’t relieve your pain, your doctor may recommend steroid injections. The medicine is injected into the soft tissue of your heel.

Exercise

You can do exercises that strengthen your lower leg and foot muscles. You can stretch your calves and Achilles tendons. Before getting up in the morning, flex your foot up and down 10 times. Do toe stretches. Stretch the bottom of your foot using a towel. Exercise, combined with other steps—rest, ice, shoe inserts, and pain medication—should reduce your heel pain. Your doctor may also suggest you visit a physical therapist.

Shock Wave Therapy

Shock wave therapy is a non-operative method of treating plantar fasciitis. Sound waves stimulate blood flow in your foot, help tissue heal, and stun your nerves to stop the pain.

Tenex Procedure

The Tenex procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that involves targeting and removing scar tissue from the plantar fascia. The procedure involves a small incision and takes only a few minutes. You should be able to return to your normal routine within 10 days.

Surgery

Surgery is the last resort in treating plantar fasciitis. It’s used when you have severe pain and conservative treatment hasn’t improved your condition. A foot and ankle doctor will detach your plantar fascia from your heel bone. You may have to wear a splint or boot after the procedure.

If you suffer from heel pain, call Ankle & Foot Specialists of Conroe at our Woodlands office (936-271-3668). Our doctors will develop a plan to reduce your pain and treat your condition.