Plantar Fasciitis: What You Can Do to Get Relief
That chronic pain in the bottom of your foot or heel is known as plantar fasciitis. It’s a degenerative problem that affects the tissue joining your toes to your heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is common for runners as well as those with flat feet or the opposite, high arches. Anyone that is overweight or people on their feet all day long can experience this condition.
While you can get things back to normal, it may take 6 months to a year for that to happen. Resting to quell inflammation will help as should ice packs applied at intervals. You can also take over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines that take the pain away and further relieve the inflammation. But there are more things you can do to soothe your pains and improve things for your feet.
Stretches and Exercises
Stretching and exercise are incredibly important for strengthening the muscles that join to your feet. You’ll want to stretch the calves, Achilles tendon, and bottom of the feet. You should also engage in exercises that make your lower legs and feet stronger to stabilize your ankles, ease the pain, and prevent plantar fasciitis from returning.
Try Tape
Runners in particular will love using athletic tape. It allows you to keep moving while offering an extra bit of support. With athletic tape, you can keep from moving your foot in a way that makes this condition worse.
Wear Inserts
Shoe inserts can add more cushion and support to your shoes. Go with firmer options that give you the ultimate support, especially if you’re always on your feet. Heel cups may also be of assistance as they fit in the back of your shoes and keep tension off your feet. Ideally, inserts that assist your whole foot are best, but these options can bring you relief.
See a Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy is very effective for treating plantar fasciitis with stellar results. Your physiotherapist can devise a game plan to help you improve and keep this condition from coming back.
Preventing Planar Fasciitis
With the help of a physiotherapist, your foot will feel better. You will also want to work with them to keep up preventative measures. Losing weight is important if you’re not at a healthy number on the scale. This will reduce the pressure you put on your feet.
Supportive shoes will also help, and for ladies, put the high heels in the back of your closet. Shoes are important though, so don’t walk around barefoot on hard surfaces. Supportive footwear by your bed can help you avoid the pains of plantar fasciitis first thing in the morning.
If you need help with healing plantar fasciitis, don’t waste time driving around and waiting endlessly in waiting rooms. In Your Home Therapy offers physiotherapy services by licensed and certified professionals that come to you at your convenience. Contact us today to help heal your plantar fasciitis!