Dealing with chronic foot pain can be incredibly frustrating and debilitating. Anyone who has experienced plantar fasciitis knows just how uncomfortable, and at times excruciating, this condition can be. They also know how daunting it can feel to find effective plantar fasciitis treatments.
From sharp pains in the heel to stiffness and swelling in the arch of your foot, plantar fasciitis can limit your daily activities and greatly impact your quality of life. The good news is that there are multiple treatment options available to help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain and get you back on your feet again.
Let us discuss some of the most effective treatments for relieving plantar fasciitis pain so that you can take steps toward finding relief from this common foot issue.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis, and What Causes It?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the bottom of the heel. It occurs when the thick band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed.
This condition is especially prevalent among runners and athletes who put a lot of stress on their feet. Athletes and runners are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive impact on their feet.
Sports like running, basketball, and tennis can strain the plantar fascia, leading to tiny tears and inflammation.
Why Is It Important to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain and affect your ability to run or even walk comfortably. Early treatment is crucial to prevent further damage to the plantar fascia and to get back to your active lifestyle quickly.
Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, knowing how to effectively manage and treat this condition is essential.
Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
Let us discuss some effective treatments available for plantar fasciitis.
Rest and Ice
One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, is to rest. This means avoiding activities that can put a lot of pressure on your feet, like running or jumping. You should also try to apply ice to the painful area. Putting ice on your foot can help reduce swelling and make the pain go away.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises can help reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Stretching the plantar fascia, a band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, and the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle can be very helpful.
You can add these simple exercises to your daily routine to make your foot muscles more flexible and stronger. For example, you can do a calf stretch by standing and leaning against a wall with your sore leg behind you, ensuring your heel stays on the ground.
Orthotic Devices
Orthotic devices are special inserts that you put inside your shoes. These custom-made inserts can give your foot the support it needs.
They help spread out the pressure more evenly across your foot, which reduces the stress on the plantar fascia. This can make walking and standing less painful and more comfortable.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are trained professionals who can help treat pain caused by plantar fasciitis. They use special techniques like ultrasound therapy, which uses sound waves to promote healing, and manual stretching exercises that help your muscles relax and heal faster.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Non-prescription medications called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling. It is important to talk to a foot and ankle specialist before taking these medications to make sure they are safe for you.
Remember, you should not use these medications for a long time without a foot and ankle specialist’s advice.
Night Splints
Night splints are devices you can wear while sleeping to keep your foot in a position that stretches the plantar fascia. This can lessen pain when you wake up in the morning.
It is a good idea to choose splints that you can adjust for comfort.
Corticosteroid Injections
In more serious cases, a foot and ankle specialist might suggest injections of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain quickly. These injections are given directly into the painful area of the foot by a foot and ankle specialist.
However, using these injections too often can weaken the plantar fascia.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT is a treatment that uses sound waves to help heal the plantar fascia. It is a non-invasive option, which means no surgical incision is needed.
Many people see significant improvement after a few sessions, especially if other plantar fasciitis treatments have not worked.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
If other treatments do not work for plantar fasciitis, surgery might be an option. A foot and ankle specialist can perform surgery on a painful foot.
In this surgery, they carefully cut a small part of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This helps to release the tension and reduce the pain you feel.
The goal is to make walking and other activities more comfortable. Like any surgery, it requires careful consideration and should be discussed with a healthcare professional to understand the benefits and risks involved.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatments in Bethesda, Germantown, & Rockville, MD
If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis and seek effective plantar fasciitis treatments, the specialists at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division. Dr. Gary Feldman is an experienced, board-certified orthopedic doctor who can provide personalized care for a wide range of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, to help you find relief.
Whether you need physical therapy, orthotics, or advanced treatments like surgery, we are here to support your recovery.
To learn more about plantar fasciitis treatment or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Feldman, call us today at (301) 515-0900 or schedule your appointment online. We look forward to seeing you!
