Step by Step Guide to Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Step by Step Guide to Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is most prevalent among adults and is characterized by intense jabbing pains in the morning that slowly regresses throughout the day. At its worst, plantar fasciitis can result in debilitating pain that can limit one’s range of motion. Fortunately, this type of foot affliction can be easily resolved especially when treated soon as the symptoms manifest.

In this article, we will run you on the 3 phases of treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and what you can expect from each:

Phase 1: Initial Treatment

There are a number of practical ways to help relieve the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis especially at the onset.

Rest – taking the weight off your foot or toning down your physical activities to a minimum is important in order to prevent aggravating the heel. Running on hard pavements is also not advised at this stage. At best, you should try to keep your injured foot fully restored on the first few days to give it time to heal naturally.

Ice – as plantar fasciitis is often accompanied by inflammation, applying a cold or ice compress on the affected area can help relieve the swelling and pain.

OTC Pain Relievers – taking non-steroidal anti inflammatory pills or creams are also helpful in managing pain and allaying soreness.

Footwear – switch to shoes that offer better shock resistance and arch support to protect your heel from the constant pounding and grinding against the ground.

Stretching Exercises – performing simple toe and calf stretches daily helps to strengthen the muscles and ligaments supporting the arch, which can help eliminate arch pain. Soon as you get up in the morning, take a couple of minutes to flex and stretch your foot to prepare them for the long day ahead.

Phase 2: Ongoing Treatment

If after some time, your plantar fasciitis is still as pronounced then it is time to move on to the 2nd phase of treatment.

Lose Weight – obesity is one of the major culprits behind plantar fasciitis. As you gain body weight, you are unconsciously subjecting your arch under more stress than it can handle. Sticking to a healthy diet and exercise plan can help you shed off the extra pounds to keep from over-straining your soles.

Orthotic Devices – your podiatrist is also likely to prescribe the use of custom-made orthotic inserts and supports to help manage your condition. Additionally, night splint and a walking cast can also be very helpful at this stage.

Phase 3: Final Treatment Option

Surgery – roughly 95 out of 100 plantar fasciitis patients will recover from non-surgical means but for a small fraction of this population, the use of surgery is advised to treat this condition.