Plantar Fasciitis is the painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tendon on the bottom of your foot. It runs from the heel of the foot to the ball of the foot. Most of the time this inflammation manifests itself with severe pain in the heel of the foot. This pain makes it feel like you are walking on bruises. Here are 7 of the best treatments for Plantar Fasciitis. Maybe they will help you heal your foot (or feet). Keep in mind any of these treatments will need to be constantly repeated over a period of time to help get rid of the pain. These treatments should also be continued once the pain is gone so that the Plantar Fasciitis does not flare up again. Rest - This one might sound a little obvious. If your feet hurt, rest them and stay off of them for as long as you can. Rest for your feet is of utmost importance. Ice - I cannot tell you how good this works. After standing or walking for a period of time, your feet might feel like they are throbbing when you finally get off of them. Ice will help this throbbing feeling. It will help ease and release the inflammation of the tendon. Stretches/Exercise - There are several stretches and/or exercises you should partake in if you have plantar fasciitis. Exercises that stretch your foot and calf muscle are the most effective in helping treat feet with plantar fasciitis. They will help to stretch the tendons and muscles that are direct causes of plantar fasciitis. Anti-inflammatory/Joint Creams - Anti-inflammatories and joint creams will temporarily relieve the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, just as an anti-inflammatory will help to relieve other joint and/or other muscle aches and pains. heel cups Orthotics/Insoles/Heel Cups - There are several types of inserts you can get to put into your shoes to help position your foot properly and cushion the foot when walking. There are orthotics that can be custom made and molded to your feet, inserts that can be purchased in most drug stores. These inserts can range from being the length of the entire foot, or just the heel. Heel cups will help to lift the heel. Night Brace - There are braces available to wear as you sleep. These braces are made to keep your foot in a flexed position overnight. This position will keep the calf muscle lengthened and stretched. Without a brace, the calf muscle will shorten and tighten due to the natural position of the foot. Then each morning, when you take your first few steps the muscle must stretch out again thereby pulling on the plantar fascia and causing the heel pain. Specialized Shoes - Wearing the proper shoes will make a lot of difference to your feet. Look for supportive shoes with proper arch support and a slightly raised heel. This will reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
09/08/2011
