How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, then you might be in the process of looking for treatment and management. Plantar fasciitis can be very discomforting and frustrating. This is the reason that knowing How to treat plantar fasciitis is very important.

But before jumping right into treatment, it is necessary to get a little background of what plantar fasciitis is.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Located at the sole of the foot, lies the plantar fascia that connects the heel of the foot with the toes. During normal circumstances, the plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber to prevent the foot muscle from being crushed and damaged. But because of prolonged standing, running, or walking, the plantar fascia may undergo great stress that will eventually lead to the pathological process. If the condition is left untreated or not getting the right attention, plantar fasciitis may be hard to treat.

Plantar fasciitis may be diagnosed with the just physical examination. The healthcare provider may observe how the patient behavior and interview the patient to identify a possible cause. If the possibility of plantar fasciitis is not yet clear, imaging diagnostic procedures may be required such as x-ray, MRI, and ultrasound.

Difference Between Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

One of the major questions people have is what is the difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Well in short if you have PF you might also suffer from heel spurs, but you can have heel spurs without having Plantar Fasciitis. The major difference between the two is that PF is a condition where there are micro-tears in the Plantar Fascia — the connecting muscles that attach to the heel and arch area of the foot. Heel spurs are calcified buildups on the bone right on the heel. You can have heel spurs without having pain. You can have heel spurs with pain. You can also have PF with or without heel spurs, but you WILL feel pain if you have PF.

Hope that clears it up!

Treatment and Remedies

Now that you know general information about plantar fasciitis, it is important how to manage it especially on how to treat plantar fasciitis at home. The course of treatment may start from non-invasive to invasive. The following can be done to alleviate or restore normal plantar fascia.

Know the cause – identifying the cause will determine the solution. For instance, if you develop plantar fasciitis because of your work, then it is better to modify your workplace to lessen plantar fasciitis or better yet, if possible, look for another job.
Rest – this is necessary to lessen the stress and pressure on the foot. With adequate rest between activities, pain, and other accompanying symptoms may significantly be reduced.
Massage therapy – visiting a massage therapist can help you to relax and stimulate blood flow in your foot. This will hasten recovery. Furthermore, massage therapists are good in providing advice on how you can take care of your foot. Using foot massagers by yourself is another option if you don’t prefer to visit a therapist.
Weight loss – since the foot is part of the weight-bearing bones and joints, weight loss can relieve the plantar fascia from the undue weight.
Splints – most splints are worn during sleeping. Splints can help in maintaining dorsiflexion of the foot to avoid pain when you wake up in the morning. The splint can correct abnormal anatomical structure of the foot.
Cushioned footwear – shock absorbing and well-cushioned shoes or slippers can give not only comfort but also preventive measures in developing plantar fasciitis.

These are just some of the treatment and remedies that you can perform while you are at home or in any place. Just remember to consult your doctor for professional advice.

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