Treatment for plantar fasciitis

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Treatment for plantar fasciitis is challenging and not always successful. Plantar fasciitis is treated by measures that decrease the associated inflammation. Local ice massage applications both reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy methods of treatment for plantar fasciitis, including stretching exercises, are used to treat and prevent plantar fasciitis.

The most common form of treatment for plantar fasciitis however, is the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or cortisone injections, are often helpful. Sports running shoes with soft, cushioned soles can help reduce irritation of inflamed tissues from plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotic shoe inserts are used to reduce the excess motion of the foot and decrease strain to the plantar fascia. Infrequently, surgery is performed on the chronically inflamed plantar fascia.

If your foot is experiencing intense pain located at the arch and heel region, you must have this condition checked immediately by the doctor to determine whether you are suffering from plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a medical problem that is characterized by severe pain at the heel portion of the foot. This condition usually occurs when a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes weak, swollen, and inflamed.

This tissue or ligament is popularly known as the plantar fascia. Experiencing plantar fasciitis will make it difficult for you to stand and walk properly.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Several symptoms can be linked to the occurrence of plantar fasciitis. One of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis; however, is the presence of foot pain while standing or walking after lying in bed for a long time.

Pain is also evident after climbing a flight of stairs or standing for several hours. However, experiencing foot pain at night may already indicate a different condition or health problems such as arthritis or tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Plantar fasciitis only one foot, but there are some cases where somebody might get it in both feet. This makes walking next to impossible, and bilateral plantar fasciitis usually starts in one foot and then moves to the second foot due to adopting an irregular walking gait because of the pain.

The pain is regularly located under the heel; however, at times it is possible that you feel arch pain too. Pain can also occur along the outside border of the heel, which is caused either by altering the way you walk to relieve the pain or by the high impact of the foot on the outer edges.

The pain usually advances gradually, while the heel’s underside may become red, swollen, and tender. If you stretch or softly press on the plantar fascia, it might be painful. Also, if you stand on your toes or climb up steps, the pain can be aggravated.

People suffering from plantar fasciitis will often experience heel spurs as well. However, heel spurs may not be one of the symptoms, as they also occur in people without plantar fasciitis.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

There are many different causes for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can occur when there is straining in the plantar fascia tissue that supports the arch. Repeated straining can also aggravate the condition causing more tears in the ligament.

People who are overweight are prone to the condition, especially when calf muscles are not properly exercised regularly. Athletic individuals, such as runners and dancers who frequently impact their feet against a sturdy surface, may experience these frequent sharp, shooting sensations as well. People suffering from plantar fasciitis find it painful to take the first few steps in the morning after a long night’s rest.

The plantar fascia muscle runs beneath the foot’s arch and may cause problems for people with flat feet or high arches. People who frequently run around barefoot or wear high heels are more likely to suffer from the condition than those who wear sensible shoes with arch support and comfortable orthotics.

Some of the common causes of plantar fasciitis include the following:

• Excessive pronation or roll inward of the feet.
• Standing, walking, or running for long periods.
• High foot arch or flat feet.
• Becoming overweight.
• Wearing ill-fitted shoes or shoes that are 2 sizes smaller than the feet.
• The tightness of the Achilles tendon or calf muscles.

Home remedies for plantar fasciitis – the most common treatment for plantar fasciitis

Home remedies for plantar fasciitis are one of the best treatment methods used to cure plantar fasciitis.

Listed below are the most popular and effective home remedies for plantar fasciitis:

Ice

• Ice is probably the cheapest and one of the most effective home remedies. If you have an ice pack, use it. If not, you can even use frozen peas. Massage the painful area for around 15 minutes, 5 times a day. Ice can help to bring down swelling and reduce inflammation.

Protective arch support insoles

• You should purchase insoles that provide arch support and place them in your shoes. It can help to reduce pain and divert away some of the impacts to bring relief of pain when you move around. If possible, you should even wear them at home when you move around.

Stretching

• Whenever possible during the day, you should perform stretching exercises targeted at your legs. Exercises that stretch the Achilles tendon and Plantar Fascia will help to increase flexibility and warm the area up, reducing pain.

Massages using creams or oils

• Massage the painful area with pain relief creams or even medicated oils multiple times during the day. Massages with medicated oils will help increase the blood circulation level at the legs and bring pain relief and promote healing.

Foot splints

• When you turn in for the day, you should use foot splints to brace the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The main purpose of the splint is to provide gradual stretches of the plantar fascia throughout the night, reducing stress levels and reducing pain and inflammation. Since the stretching continues through the night, you will experience lesser pain when you first wake up in the morning.

Plantar Fasciitis is a troublesome and painful leg condition that will cause a lot of discomfort throughout the day and night. It is not good to depend on pain relief medication always and whenever possible, you should substitute the pain relief medication with some home remedies.

Plantar fasciitis treatment exercises – an essential part of treatment for plantar fasciitis

Foot stretches and exercises can help plantar fasciitis by relieving pain, improving muscle strength, and promoting flexibility in the foot muscles and ligaments.

This Plantar fasciitis treatment exercise can be performed two or three times every day.

Stretching the calf

Muscle tightness in the feet and calves can make the pain of plantar fasciitis worse. Loosening the calf muscles can relieve the pain. Try the following stretch:

• Lean your hands against a wall
• Straighten the knee of the affected leg and bend the other knee in front
• Keep both feet flat on the ground
• There should be a stretching sensation in the heel and calf of the extended leg

Foot flexes

• Flexing the foot increases blood flow to the area and relieves tension in the calves, which can help with the pain. This exercise uses an elastic stretch band, which people can buy from sports stores or online.

Towel curls

• Curling a hand towel or facecloth with the toes can stretch the foot and calf muscles. Try doing these stretches before walking or doing any other morning tasks.

Yoga for plantar fasciitis – traditional oriental treatment for plantar fasciitis

Yoga for plantar fasciitis can help stretch and strengthen the legs and feet can help reduce and even relieve plantar fasciitis.

Listed below are basic yoga for plantar fasciitis poses that can be effective and become the answer on how to cure plantar fasciitis

• Basic seated posture: Sit at the front edge of your chair with your spine lengthened, tummy pulled in slightly, chest lifted, shoulders relaxed down and away from your ears, feet on the floor, and knees directly over ankles. Breathe gently and evenly.
• Basic standing posture: Standing straight, feet hip-width apart, feet pointed forward, legs active, tummy pulled in slightly, chest lifted, shoulders back and dropped away from ears, gaze forward, and crown of the head lifted, neck and spine lengthened. Breathe gently and evenly.
• Seated straight leg foot and ankle warm-ups: From your basic seated posture, extend your legs straight in front of you with the knees straight and your heels on the floor. Start by wiggling your toes. Next, warm up the ankles by flexing and extending both feet, pointing your toes toward you and away from you. Loosen the ankles further by drawing circles with your feet. First one direction, then repeat in the opposite direction. Do this for three to five breaths.

Chinese herbs for plantar fasciitis

As the saying goes, “As a person ages, the heel grows old.” Heel pain is commonly found in middle-aged and elderly groups. About 10 percent of the population has suffered from heel pain in their lifetime. The pain site is usually located in the heel area of one or both sides of the leg and is not usually swollen. Prolonged walking, standing, extending, or flexing your toes can intensify the pain.
Most of the bodyweight falls on the heel. Below the heel is a dense layer of subcutaneous fat known as a fat pad. Small bags of liquid called bursae protect the Achilles tendon in the heel. The plantar fascia and the short flexor of the toes are thick connective tissues that are connected to the calcaneus (heel bone).
Heel pain is caused by pathological changes in the calcaneus bone, joint, bursa, fat pad, and fascia. Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia) is responsible for about 80 percent of patients suffering from heel pain.

In Chinese medicine, heel pain is usually caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys, internal phlegm, heat of the blood, etc. Soft tissue is classified into the hepatic system and bones are classified into the renal system. When there is a deficiency in the liver and kidney system, Qi and blood cannot nourish the heel, and the lack of nutrients will lead to heel pain. External pathogens “wind”, “cold” and “humidity”, trauma, or chronic fatigue can also cause pain as it causes obstruction of Qi and blood flow, resulting in blocked meridians and blood stasis.

Common Chinese Medicine herbs used for heel pain:

Tou Gu Cao (Caulis Impatientis), Ru xiang (Frankincense), Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root), Wei Ling Xian (Radix Clematidis), Mo Yao (Myrrh).

Function: Increase blood circulation and relieve pain

Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis – ancient Chinese treatment for plantar fasciitis

One of the best treatment methods on how to heal plantar fasciitis quickly is acupuncture for plantar fasciitis.

Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis improves plantar heel pain through several pathways. One way is that the insertion of needles causes a local effect on nerve endings, releasing neuropeptides that help eliminate pain. There is also some excellent research showing that a substance called adenosine is released during acupuncture and has a potent pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect as well as promoting blood flow to the area.

Researchers have also demonstrated that the body releases its opioids, known as the body’s natural pain killer, during acupuncture treatment there is less activity in brain regions associated with pain perception and increased activity in areas that regulate our response to pain.

Homeopathy for plantar fasciitis – #1 natural treatment for plantar fasciitis

Homeopathy for plantar fasciitis is an effective and safe natural treatment for plantar fasciitis. It helps to ease the pain and stiffness, including the inflammatory process. It also provides long-term relief and helps the affected individual to avoid the use of the scalpel — in most medically treatable heel pain cases.

Common homeopathic medicines that help in plantar fasciitis are Apis Mellifica, Arnica Montana, Bellis Perennis, Rhododendron Ferrugineum

Apis Mellifica

• This homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis is one of the best homeopathic remedies for plantar fasciitis indicated when the affected part of the body is swollen or is sensitive to touch with pain and redness. Other symptoms, where Apis Mellifica are prescribed, are: Stinging pain in the heel or sole of the feet Swelling or redness of heel Burning pain that is eased with the application of ice

Arnica Montana

• This homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis is generally prescribed to treat pain occurring due to physical damage like a fall or injury. Common symptoms, where arnica Montana is prescribed, are: Pain that improves on the application of heat or warmth, Heel pain due to footwear

Bellis Perennis

• This homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis is mainly used to treat deep tissue injuries occurring after surgery. It is also indicated in case of the following symptoms: Soreness of feet Damaged muscle fibers, Physical damage leading to deep bruising Injured nerves that result in excruciating pain and sensitivity to coldness

Hypericum Perforatum

• This homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis is widely used in cases of nerve damage and for dealing with post-surgery blues. It is also helpful in cases of burning sensation and numbness. People who benefit from Hypericum perforatum also experience the following symptoms: Burning pain Pain due to nerve damage which is felt arising from the heel to the lumbar region, Tingling pain or numbness

Kalium Bichromicum

• Kalium Bichromicum is a homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis best suited to fair, fat individuals who have a syphilitic or scrofulous history. Symptoms, where Kali Bichromicum can be introduced, are: Wandering pain Soreness of feet on the application of pressure, pain in the Achilles tendon

Ledum Palustre

• Patients who benefit from this homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis experience some of the following symptoms: Swelling around the heel Painful soles, which make walking impossible. Increase in pain during night hours and when lying on the bed Reduction in pain on the application of ice or anything cold

Rhododendron Ferrugineum

• This homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis is prescribed where symptoms are agitated around the time of a storm and get better after the storm breaks out. Common symptoms where the medicine is advised are: Swollen heels Pain that gets worse even while resting the feet

Rhus Toxicodendron

• Rhus Toxicodendron is the homeopathic remedy for plantar fasciitis that is often applicable in conditions of damage to fibrous tissues and tendons, which result in pain. Common symptoms, which indicate a need for this remedy, are: Burning and pain in the affected area, tearing pain in the ligaments and tissues around the heel, Sensitivity to cold, Tingling sensation in feet, Pain increases while resting.

Conclusion on treatment for plantar fasciitis

The treatment for plantar fasciitis is mostly palliative. Home remedies for plantar fasciitis are as effective as the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and prefer to treat it naturally, contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic and schedule your first appointment with Victor Tsan, MD. Dr. Tsan will examine you and propose the most effective form of treatment customized for your form of plantar fasciitis