Plantar Fasciitis: Pain Management Options for Home Use

If you have been experiencing heel or foot pain, you probably have plantar fasciitis. This is a condition which is associated with the inflammation and decreased flexibility of the plantar fascia, a tough tissue which runs along your foot's bottom. The severity of the condition can vary widely, and it will determine the right treatment method to relieve the symptoms and restore normal foot functions.

Therefore, if you suspect that you might have fasciitis, you should consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis. If the damage in your foot is severe surgical, injections or other intense intervention might be required. On the other hand, if the pain is mild and the fascia damage minimal, you can use these outlines management options to reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Ice Application

One of the primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis is inflammation. Ice application can be utilised to bring down the swelling. Basically, the cold treatment will constrict the vessels around the foot and reduce the rate of flow of fluids into the fascia. In addition, ice will cause some numbness in the foot which limits nerve actions and manages sensitivity to pain.

There are different methods through which you can apply ice to your foot. These include ice bath, massage and even an ice pack wrapped with a towel. The right choice will depend on your preference, sensitivity to cold and level of pain. When using this method, avoid overexposure to ice because this could cause tissue damage.

Activity Modification

You can manage the plantar fasciitis pain by modifying your normal activities. Rest is crucial for the treatment of the damage to the foot tissues, and this strategy is considered to be one of the most effective against the disorder. On the other hand, complete rest after the pain commences is not practical for most individuals. Therefore, you should consider combining relative rest with activity modification.

If you are involved in vigorous activity, you should reduce frequency, intensity and the general amount of the activity. Moreover, you can modify your footwear to minimise impact when you are standing or walking around. For example, you can use splits, orthotic inserts, casting or walker boots.

Analgesic Medication

Finally, you can use over-the-counter analgesics or painkillers to manage the discomfort if necessary. Mild pain relievers such as paracetamol or acetaminophen will manage moderate pain and even reduce any fever associated with the inflammation. You can also purchase relatively stronger NSAIDs such as naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen. You should remember that these pharmaceuticals might have adverse side effects.