Getting Help With My Toes

Pain Relief And Treatment Options For Plantar Fasciitis

25 January 2016

Arianna Nguyen

Plantar fasciitis is a condition of the foot that's very painful to deal with. It occurs when there are damages to the tendon that goes from the heel to the front of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. If you suffer from this condition then you want to learn all you can about how to best relieve the pain and what types of treatments there are that may be available to you. This article will help you to learn more about these things.

Getting pain relief from a flare up

When the pain of plantar fasciitis sets in, it can hurt so bad that it makes it hard for you to walk or even stand on your feet. The pain can show up anywhere along that tendon, but it is most common for it to be mainly focused around the heel of your foot. It can come in different types of pain, ranging from a throbbing ache to an intense stinging and burning.

If you are at risk of plantar fasciitis then it can show up at any time, but mornings will usually be the most painful of those times. What you do during the morning, and in the hours that follow, can help determine the amount of pain you experience and how long the flare up lasts.

When you wake up in the morning, spend a few extra minutes rubbing your feet and gently stretching the tendons by pulling back on your toes before you get out of bed. Also, cut back on the length of time you spend on your feet and be sure to wear properly fitted footwear with supportive arches.

For quick relief, you can take an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever. Also, use ice to help bring down the inflammation and help the area to feel better. You can put a small water bottle in the freezer to have on hand. When the pain strikes, roll the frozen bottle with your feet and it will help them feel better.

Treatment options available for plantar fasciitis

The treatment options for this condition will depend on its cause, which can include inflammation of the plantar fascia, rips in it or other injuries.

If the condition isn't found to be severe, then the podiatrist may suggest resting your feet which includes taking a break from activities that have you on them for a period of time. You may also be asked to take an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever regularly until the symptoms clear up. They may prescribe you a medicated lotion to rub on them as well.

Treatment may also include you wearing special insoles in your shoes that will help support the arch and provide it with soothing softness. Physical therapy that includes specific stretches and exercises may also be prescribed. Night splints may be prescribed to help stretch the plantar fascia to help treat the condition while you sleep. 

In severe cases, you may be asked to wear a walking cast for a period of time. This cast will be worn at all times and while it can be uncomfortable, it can also help heal the tendon. If all else fails, then your podiatrist may discuss the possibility of surgery with you. The surgery will be done to repair the damage to the tendon and is generally a last resort. Contact a business such as Better Foot Care Ohio for more information about foot issues.   

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