If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it can be excruciating. This pain is caused by irritation of the plantar fasciitis tissue. This tissue causes inflammation and pain when you walk. Various treatments can be used to help to get rid of this painful condition.
Your doctor may recommend you to do stretches and exercises at home. In addition, some people choose to wear night splints throughout the night while they sleep to reduce the symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis. These night splints are custom orthotics made especially for your feet. They help to keep the arch of the foot supported while you sleep by evenly distributing the weight of your body.
You can also use over-the-counter medications or prescription medications to help with the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to relieve heel pain. Since these drugs can cause a positive change in your blood pressure, it is essential to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor. These medications should not be used for more than three months at a time.
Physical therapy is another plantar fasciitis treatment that can help to speed up the healing process and ease the pain. When symptoms are not adequately treated, it can lead to severe pain. The use of heat and cold therapy has proven beneficial. Exercises and stretches can also help to decrease the pain.
Physical therapy can be combined with other treatments such as steroid injections and night splints for severe cases. Steroid injections work to increase the production of synovial fluid, which helps to protect against inflammation and swelling. Night splints are used when the condition is particularly severe, as they stretch the tissue around the heel to prevent further damage. Other treatments include ultrasound, cold therapy, and soft tissue treatments.
If over-the-counter treatments do not help with your pain, you will want to see your doctor. He will likely prescribe a steroid injection or other medication. These medications can help to ease the inflammation, but they do not heal the tendon. They will not prevent the formation of calluses or different types of foot damage. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy exercises to rebuild the ligaments and strengthen the Achilles tendon.
Some people find that taking pain relievers or other over-the-counter painkillers doesn’t work and treatments that include stretching and other exercises. In addition, several months after starting an exercise routine, their feet may still be painful. Tight muscles often cause this in the calf and thighs. If you have tried several treatments without success, you may want to try using plantar fasciitis splints. The special inserts take the pressure off the Achilles tendon by preventing it from moving, which keeps the pain at bay.
Plantar fasciitis inserts are designed to be used several times a day for several months. The stretching and strengthening exercises included in the design of these inserts will gradually build up the tendon around the heel, allowing it to heal and become stronger. In addition to working to repair the tears in the tendon, they will also help reduce inflammation. As a result, you will probably experience some relief after a few uses. To get optimal results, however, you should continue your treatments for six to eight weeks.
Another option for plantar fasciitis treatment is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs work by decreasing inflammation. They do not, however, reduce the pain sensation or alleviate symptoms. Therefore, while they can provide relief, they are not advisable for long-term use. They should only be taken short-term when severe heel pain or tendonitis cannot be avoided due to a previous injury.
A third option is a plantar fasciitis shoe treatment. This type of shoe provides arch support and also stretches and strengthens the heel and arch. It may seem more costly than other treatments, but many people find the benefits more than worth the additional cost. They also help to prevent pain during the actual healing process. However, if the pain persists or gets worse, it’s best to consult with a foot care specialist.
Plantar fasciitis shoes and inserts come in several different types. They also come in a wide range of prices. There is a shoe insert out there for just about every budget and any purpose.
