One common cause of plantar fasciitis is the repetitive strain or damage to the connective tissue that connects to the heel and foot. This condition can occur due to excessive use or injury.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can impact various areas of the foot, although it mostly manifests itself in the heel region.
If you’re looking for ways to find relief from plantar fasciitis, you’ll be happy to know that there are several options available. One effective approach involves using medication, taking time to rest, and applying ice to the affected area. These strategies can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs can be very helpful in controlling pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. They work by blocking the proteins that make prostaglandins, which can be a cause of inflammation.
In some people, the drugs can also help keep blood clots from forming. They are often used to treat arthritis, and some people take them to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and stomach problems.
Most NSAIDs are available over the counter (OTC), but you can also get them with a prescription. They come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, and creams or gels.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of over-the-counter NSAIDs and other treatments for your plantar fasciitis, including ice, massage, and physical therapy. They can also recommend a corticosteroid injection.
Dosage
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It affects 4% to 7% of the population at some point in their lives, and often develops with age or with prolonged standing or exercise.
There are many treatments available for this condition, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stretching exercises, icing, corticosteroid injections, and footwear modifications. Treatment options are tailored to the specific symptoms and needs of the patient.
NSAIDs are effective in the short term and help reduce inflammation that occurs with plantar fasciitis. However, they can cause side effects like stomach ulcers and bleeding. For these reasons, they are not recommended in the long term.
Side effects
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common medications for reducing pain and swelling in the body. They can be effective for many conditions, but they are also known to have some side effects. These include nausea, upset stomach, and ulcers.
In addition, NSAIDs can interfere with kidney function. This is why it’s not recommended to take NSAIDs long term.
The use of topical diclofenac gel for plantar fasciitis is very effective and has been shown to be safe in clinical studies. This gel is much safer than taking oral diclofenac as it doesn’t affect the digestive tract.
In this case study, a lady who had come for treatment of her heel pain had tried many home remedies that provided short term relief but were also causing irritation which prolonged her pain. She was given a soft ice pack, strapping and stretching exercises and some orthotic therapy to support her foot. She was then able to swim without discomfort and felt relief when she left the clinic.
Precautions
If you are taking NSAIDs for plantar fasciitis, take care not to use them with other medications that can affect how your body absorbs them. This includes certain drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
Your doctor will also ask you to avoid using home remedies that may prolong the pain. These include wearing a night splint, changing shoes to ones with better arch support, and applying athletic taping.
In addition, your doctor may suggest a course of physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your foot and lower leg muscles. A physical therapist may also show you how to use a shoe insert or night splint. These techniques can help to relieve your heel pain and improve your overall health. They are not recommended for all patients, but they can be effective in some cases. If you have serious pain, surgery can also be an option. It is usually reserved for patients who have not responded to nonsurgical treatment.
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