Plantar Fasciitis is the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. When this ligament becomes inflamed, individuals suffer pain in the bottom of the foot, but it is mostly characterized by heel pain. This is not a condition to be self-diagnosed, but should be done by a physician.
How is Plantar Fasciitis treated? There is no single treatment that works best for everyone; therefore many options are available for relief. After your doctor assesses that your foot pain is definitely Plantar Fasciitis, his first recommendation will probably be to try resting your feet by cutting out activities that make your foot hurt. Walking or running on hard surfaces will have to stop. To reduce the pain and swelling, put ice on your heel and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Aleve.
Basic exercises for Plantar Fasciitis include calf stretches and towel stretches several times a day, especially when first getting out of bed. The calf stretch should be done 3 to 4 times a day, 5 days a week. Stand facing the wall with your hands at about eye level on the wall. Put the leg you want to stretch about a step behind the other leg. While keeping your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg. Hold this position for 15 to 20 seconds; repeat 2 to 4 times. The towel stretch may be done while sitting up in bed or on the floor. Hold both ends of the towel while the middle of the towel crosses the ball of your foot. Keeping knee straight, pull the towel towards you. Hold this position for 15 to 20 seconds, repeat 2 to 4 times.
Now, when suffering with Plantar Fasciitis, it is also good to purchase a good pair of shoes. The best shoes for plantar fasciitis will vary from person to person. In general, plantar fasciitis shoes should be shoes with good arch support and cushioned sole.
A few personal suggestions for some of the best plantar fasciitis shoes in terms of support, motion control, and comfort:
New Balance Motion Control Shoes
Kuru Shoes
Brooks Shoes
There are other brands out there you can look at, but we highly recommend these brands as they have a very good reputation with people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
If unable to find proper plantar fasciitis shoes meeting the above-discussed criteria, investing in a pair of heel cups or shoe inserts (orthodics) is advised. Wear these in both shoes even though only one heel my be hurting. Heel cups and orthotics help to distribute pressure to your feet more evenly.
If these conservative measures do not offer any relief, your doctor may put you in a night splint, which is fitted to your calf and foot. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight so that they can be stretched more effectively. Another option is the short leg cast that goes up to but not above the knee. This cast is worn 3-6 weeks and is often successful in relieving the pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a cast boot, which looks like a ski boot, may be prescribed. It too is worn full-time, but can be removed for bathing. If the use of a cast does not work, your doctor may recommend steroid injections. These injections provide lasting relief for most patients, but are very painful and not for everyone.
There are very few people that will have to have surgery. The procedure detaches the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Surgery is generally an option when the pain is so severe and all other treatments failed. Side effects include a weakening of the arch in your foot, but relief from the constant pain. Hopefully, this article will give you some hope for ridding yourself of the stabbing pain in your heel.
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. When this ligament becomes inflamed, individuals suffer pain in the bottom of the foot, but it is mostly characterized by heel pain. This is not a condition to be self-diagnosed, but should be done by a physician.
There are other brands out there you can look at, but we highly recommend these brands as they have a very good reputation with people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
If these conservative measures do not offer any relief, your doctor may put you in a night splint, which is fitted to your calf and foot. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight so that they can be stretched more effectively. Another option is the short leg cast that goes up to but not above the knee. This cast is worn 3-6 weeks and is often successful in relieving the pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a cast boot, which looks like a ski boot, may be prescribed. It too is worn full-time, but can be removed for bathing. If the use of a cast does not work, your doctor may recommend steroid injections. These injections provide lasting relief for most patients, but are very painful and not for everyone.
There are very few people that will have to have surgery. The procedure detaches the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Surgery is generally an option when the pain is so severe and all other treatments failed. Side effects include a weakening of the arch in your foot, but relief from the constant pain. Hopefully, this article will give you some hope for ridding yourself of the stabbing pain in your heel.