Functional medicine is the use of non-pharmaceutical methods to treat health conditions. It may include exercise, diet, massage, and other therapies. Many physicians are turning to this form of treatment to help patients who are suffering from chronic conditions.
Stretching
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by heel pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia. It is estimated that nearly two million people suffer from it each year. Fortunately, it can usually be treated successfully. However, there are still many questions about the most effective ways to treat it.
A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of non-weight-bearing stretching exercises for plantar fasciitis compared with shockwave therapy. The results showed that stretching was more effective at four months, but not at 15 months.
This study also assessed the effects of the Graston Technique, a method of soft tissue mobilization that is designed to restore normal function. By gently massaging the affected area, the Graston technique breaks up scar tissue along the plantar fascia, which reduces pain and improves range of motion.
Heat therapy
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel to your arch. If left untreated, it can lead to other issues.
There are various plantar fasciitis treatments. Some of these include anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. Others use stretching and exercise programs. Other options include rest, icing, and massage.
Heat therapy is an effective plantar fasciitis treatment. In addition to reducing pain, it also helps to increase blood flow to injured tissues. This accelerates the healing process.
Anti-inflammatory agents such as cortisone can be used as part of a treatment plan. However, these types of medications do not address the root cause of the condition. They are not as effective as other treatment methods.
Icing is another popular treatment for plantar fasciitis. It can help reduce swelling and redness. Ice can be applied to the bottom of the arch and heel.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel. Often it’s not serious, but untreated it can lead to hip and knee problems. If you are suffering from this condition, it’s best to know about the various medications that are available to help you.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, NSAIDs, and naproxen, are used to relieve the symptoms. However, some people may not benefit from these medications. They can interact with other drugs, and can damage kidneys.
Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation in the body. They can be applied in the form of an injection or with an electric current. These are powerful drugs that can be used to treat many conditions. It’s recommended that patients take a break from these medications for two to four weeks after an injection.
Roller massage
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that is caused by a chronic irritation on the sole of the foot. It affects patients who are active, and it can also affect those who are recovering from surgery. A plantar fasciitis massage can be helpful to alleviate the pain, but some patients may feel a lot of discomfort.
There are many treatments for plantar fasciitis, but the most effective are stretching and self-massage. Stretching the foot can help improve form and decrease the amount of pain. However, the best way to prevent and heal plantar fasciitis is to avoid putting the strain on it in the first place.
To stretch the plantar fascia, you can use a two-inch by four-inch piece of wood, or a lacrosse ball. The towel can also be used for this purpose.
Kinesiology tape
Kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape that can be applied to injured muscles or tendons. It can be worn for several days and can be removed if skin irritation occurs.
The kinesiology tape has many benefits, including improving blood flow, decreasing swelling, and supporting the injured muscle or tendons. This makes it a good choice for non-athletes who have joint pain.
In addition, kinesiology tape can help prevent swelling in the foot, which is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. When there is swelling, the space between the skin and muscle is reduced, causing the pain to become more intense.
Kinesiology tape can also be helpful for patients who have chronic low back pain. A study showed that when a group of 60 adults with low back pain were taped, their function and endurance improved.
