One frequently encountered ailment is plantar fasciitis, which leads to discomfort in the arch of the foot. Usually, this condition develops slowly and is often caused by numerous small tears that occur in the foot tissue.
Receiving appropriate treatment is crucial in effectively managing symptoms and alleviating pain. Additionally, it plays a vital role in preventing any potential re-injury and halting the progression of your condition. Ensuring you seek prompt medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan will greatly contribute to your overall well-being.
Stretching
Stretching plays a crucial role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Not only does it provide relief from symptoms, but it also helps prevent the condition from developing and enhances your ability to walk comfortably.
Physical therapists recommend stretching regularly for a number of reasons, including reducing the amount of lactic acid that builds up in your muscles after you exercise. Lactic acid can make you feel achy and tired.
It can also identify areas of extra tightness that could lead to an injury. Performing stretches helps you identify problems before they get worse, says Ford.
When you’re stretching, keep your stretches smooth and slow, never jerky or bouncy. A mild pulling feeling is normal and should be tolerated, but if it becomes too painful or if you start to feel joint pain or sharp stabbing pain during a stretch, stop the movement.
Nonsurgical treatment for plantar fasciitis includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, calf and foot stretching and in-shoe orthotics that lift and cushion your heel. These treatments typically eliminate the condition in 90% of patients, and surgery is rarely necessary.
Cortisone Injections
Injections are a popular treatment option for plantar fasciitis. Typically, doctors will inject cortisone into the affected area to reduce inflammation.
Studies show that cortisone injections can provide short-term pain relief of a few months, but they are not the best way to resolve chronic heel pain. This type of treatment can weaken the plantar fascia, which increases the risk of rupture (tear) and fat pad atrophy resulting in chronic heel pain.
However, there are many other ways to treat plantar fasciitis and these can be effective. One option is to use dry needling, which can be more effective than steroid injections. Another alternative is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. These injections contain platelets from the patient’s blood in an attempt to promote healing.
Physical Therapy
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel. It is often the result of repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.
Physical therapy can be a helpful treatment for plantar fasciitis. A physical therapist can help you with stretches and strengthening exercises that will help improve the way you move and prevent the condition from reoccurring.
A PT will also examine your foot and ankle to see what may be causing your pain. Tight calf muscles or poor foot posture can increase the stress placed on the plantar fascia.
Physiotherapists are trained to use manual therapies, including Graston Technique and ASTYM, to release soft tissue restrictions that cause stiffness, pain and other symptoms. They will also work on strengthening the calf and lower leg muscles to restore proper movement and reduce the risk of reoccurring problems.
Shoes
If you’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, shoes can be a great way to help relieve pain and inflammation. Research shows that people with this condition often find relief from wearing shoes that support their feet properly and prevent them from placing too much pressure on the heel, which can aggravate the condition.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis are supportive and comfortable, with a low to moderate heel, thick soles, good arch support and extra cushioning. A podiatrist or physical therapist can recommend a shoe that fits your foot and provides the correct amount of support.
Choosing the right shoe can also be an effective Plantar fasciitis treatment for people who aren’t ready to invest in custom insoles. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market that are suitable for people with this condition.
To make our list of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we consulted physical therapists and podiatrists for their top picks. Then, we vetted the products for their price, sizing and quality based on these recommendations.
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