Whether you have a history of foot problems or are just experiencing heel pain, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate it and get relief. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse syndrome that causes pain in the bottom of the heel. It can be treated through non-surgical methods or through surgery. During the treatment phase, you should avoid repetitive impact activities.
Midland podiatrist can help reduce pain, swelling, and tension in the foot. It may include specialized ice treatments and massage. The Midland podiatrist can also teach you how to stretch properly. You may also be able to use custom orthotics. These orthotics can be custom-molded to your feet and provide support and relief for the arch of the foot. They can also distribute pressure more evenly so the foot doesn’t bear all the weight.
Physical therapy can also include massage and other techniques to relax the muscles around the plantar fascia. Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and swelling. If you’ve already been taking these medications, ask your doctor if there are other ways you can treat your plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may also prescribe a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation. Cortisone injections are most effective when placed near the site of the pain. Injections can take a day or two to have an effect, but they can provide long-term pain relief.
The first thing you should do is stop participating in activities that cause your plantar fasciitis to flare up. You should also avoid wearing shoes that put undue stress on the foot. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes with supportive heels. This will keep the ligaments in the foot from causing more damage.
You may be able to get relief from your plantar fasciitis by using a night splint. These splints maintain a constant stretch on the ligament while you’re sleeping. Some patients also report that the morning pain improves after a short period of wearing a night splint.
You can also apply moist heat to the affected area. Some people have found that using a small towel to massage the foot can help heal the plantar fascia. If your doctor recommends icing, try applying ice to the arch of the foot and the bottom of the heel. During the plantar fasciitis treatment, you should also avoid wearing shoes with hard soles.
You may also be able to relieve plantar fasciitis by stretching your foot. Stretching the calf muscle can also be helpful, especially if you’ve been experiencing a lot of tension. Stretching at home can be helpful, and you may also want to try yoga. Yoga exercises can help you avoid high-impact activities, which can increase your symptoms. You can also use foam rollers and a frozen water bottle as props. You may also want to use a cane to prevent your full weight from going on the foot.
If the above measures aren’t helping, your doctor may recommend surgery. This procedure can be very effective, and is usually performed under a light anesthesia. However, there are risks associated with surgery, such as nerve damage, bleeding, and complications.