One of the most common reasons for experiencing pain and disability in the heels is due to a condition known as plantar fasciitis. It affects a significant number of individuals, but the good news is that many patients find relief through non-invasive treatments.
Surgical intervention for pain relief is a rare necessity, as it is only required by approximately 1 percent of patients. This uncommon occurrence can create an uncomfortable situation for both the patient and their healthcare provider.
Stretching
Improving flexibility is essential in preventing and treating plantar fasciitis. When your muscles, tendons, and ligaments become more flexible, they become better equipped to move seamlessly without experiencing any pain or stiffness. This increased adaptability allows them to comfortably reach their full range of motion. By incorporating flexibility exercises into your routine, you can enhance the health and strength of these tissues, reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis.
Flexibility helps you move more freely and feel energised, which makes everyday tasks much simpler. Stretching is an excellent way to increase flexibility.
Stretching can be achieved by simply placing your injured foot over one thigh and slowly bending back your ankle and toes until you feel a gentle stretch in your foot. Repeating this exercise several times each day may help relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
Icing
Plantar Fasciitis, or heel pain caused by micro-tears to the ligament that runs from heel to toes on your foot sole, can often be alleviated through icing of the affected area to reduce inflammation by restricting blood flow, thus numbing nerve endings and relieving pain.
An easy way to soothe your feet with cold temperatures is using an ice pack. Just place it under your desk at work or store one in your freezer at home and rest your foot on it for at least ten minutes before continuing your day’s activities.
If an ice pack is unavailable, another great way to soothe swelling tissues and stretch the plantar fascia gently is rolling your foot over a paper cup or frozen water bottle. Not only will this relieve swollen tissues but it can also provide much-needed soothing.
Shoes
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, choosing appropriate shoes is an integral component of your treatment plan. Shoes designed specifically to absorb shock and minimize strain are intended to alleviate pain while decreasing stress levels and relieving discomfort.
No matter if it is running shoes, casual footwear, or boots; you can find shoes that provide the support necessary to improve rapidly. APMA-approved options have been evaluated by foot and ankle specialists as being beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis.
Skechers Men’s Go Walk 3 shoes offer lightweight comfort with their simple slip-on walking design that provide a customized fit.
Splints
Plantar fasciitis, commonly referred to as foot arch pain, occurs when inflammation arises in the arch supporting tissue structures on the bottom of your foot arch and begins to affect arch support structures on your heel arch. This condition can occur acutely or chronically.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually includes icing the bottom of your foot multiple times daily, stretching your arch and calf muscles, wearing orthotics, and using night splints if these treatments fail to reduce pain and swelling.
A posterior night splint helps maintain tension within the plantar fascia and intrinsic musculature, maintaining their functional length while decreasing sudden stress placed upon your foot when walking after resting periods have ended. This helps alleviate post-static dyskinesia which occurs when first steps after resting become painful.
Surgery
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue located along the bottom of your foot that provides arch support. When this fibrous tissue becomes inflamed or torn, pain in the heel region may result.
Conservative treatment approaches often provide sufficient relief. These may include stretching exercises, icing your feet regularly and avoiding activities which worsen your condition as well as physical therapy sessions.
If a patient hasn’t found relief through other therapies, surgery may be recommended as an option to reduce inflammation and pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or corticosteroid injections could provide such relief.
You might also like to read:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis and Postural Alignment
Plantar Fasciitis and Prolotherapy
