What Are Your Options for Treating Plantar Fasciitis?
What Are Your Options for Treating Plantar Fasciitis?
Treatment Insights
Plantar fasciitis can be painful, but the good news is that there are several treatment options available. Let’s explore what works best.
Contents
- Rest and Modify Activities
- Use Supportive Devices
- Consider Medical Interventions
Rest and Modify Activities
The first step in treating plantar fasciitis is to rest your feet and avoid activities that worsen the pain, like running or jumping. Changing your daily routine to reduce foot stress can give your plantar fascia a chance to heal and reduce inflammation.
Use Supportive Devices
Cushioned footwear and silicone heel pads can provide relief by reducing pressure on your heel. These inexpensive options offer support and comfort that can ease the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Consider Medical Interventions
For severe pain, doctors may recommend glucocorticoid injections to reduce inflammation. While these injections can provide temporary relief, they are best used in conjunction with other treatments like stretching exercises and supportive footwear.
FAQs
How effective are glucocorticoid injections?
They can offer temporary relief for severe pain but should be part of a broader treatment plan.
What role do heel pads play?
Heel pads cushion the foot, reducing pressure and pain in the heel.
Is rest important for recovery?
Yes, rest allows the plantar fascia to heal and reduces inflammation.
The Bottom Line
Effective treatment often involves a combination of strategies tailored to your needs.
Additional References
- Crawford F, Thomson C. Interventions for treating plantar heel pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003; :CD000416.
- Pfeffer G, Bacchetti P, Deland J, et al. Comparison of custom and prefabricated orthoses in the initial treatment of proximal plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int 1999; 20:214.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.