The concept of diseases and pains in the leg. Woman suffering from heel pain. Inflammation or sprain of the tendon in the foot, heel spur, bursitis.
Plantar Fasciitis is an extremely common yet frustrating cause of heel pain. There is a thick band of tissue that runs on the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. If there is too much tension or pressure on this band of tissue, then small tears can happen in the fascia. While more severe, persistent cases may require surgery or invasive procedures, there are many remedies you can try to relieve the symptoms.
Stretches
Stretching out the right muscles is an extremely effective way of reducing tension in your foot and calf, both for immediate relief and for improvement of symptoms over time. Some helpful stretches include a calf stretch, rolling a ball under your foot, flexing your feet with an elastic band, curling a towel with your toes, and picking up marbles with your toes. Your doctor may even suggest seeing a physical therapist so they can advise you on what exercises are best.
Orthotics
A shoe insert will support the arch of your foot and keep weight off from the painful fascia tissue and also distribute the overall weight of your body more evenly on your feet. If you are on your feet for long periods of time, an insert will make standing much more comfortable. Going to a doctor for inserts will ensure you get the right kind that will help subdue your pain.
Medication
NSAIDS, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be extra effective at treating plantar fasciitis as they help both pain and inflammation. Consider taking medications such as Ibuprofen or Aleve. While this will give you temporary relief, some even find that their symptoms improve after several weeks of taking them.
Night Splints
Night splints are special splints worn while you sleep that stretch out your calf and the arch of your foot. The splint stretches out the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon overnight so you are benefitting from treatment while you sleep. The stretching splint, just like manual stretching, will take pressure off the painful part of your heel.
MLS Laser
MLS Laser Therapy uses a painless, non-invasive laser that uses specific wavelengths of light to help treat painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The light enters the cells in the targeted area to encourage activity within the cells, therefore speeding up the recovery of damaged cells and reducing pain. Each session usually takes less than 10 minutes, and patients usually begin to feel relief after about three treatments.
Make an Appointment Today
The best thing you can do for your plantar fasciitis pain is to make an appointment with a trusted professional at Alpine. Our doctors are able to diagnose and treat your pain and suggest the best course of action. With several different kinds of treatment options, your doctor will be able to help you find a treatment plan that works for you. Don’t wait to consult a trusted Alpine doctor. Make an appointment today!