There are many treatment options available to fix Plantar Fasciitis. It is important to understand that the Plantar Fascia is like a ligament versus a muscle. The reason this is important is ligaments heal much slower than muscle. The slow healing is frustrating to those that suffer from it and plays a role in it becoming chronic due to the patient constantly aggravating it. Some Plantar Fasciitis treatments are less effective than others. Some are more conservative than others and still some are more expensive than others.
Plantar Fasciitis is micro-tearing of the Plantar Fascia
Remove the Aggravating Variable to Fix Plantar Fasciits
The first thing to do is remove the variable that is either causing your Plantar Fasciitis or contributing to it. For example; if running is irritating it and you keep running it will worsen and may lead to permanent damage of the Plantar Fascia. Proper diagnosis is critical as Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciosis are commonly misdiagnosed as Plantar Fasciitis leading to poor and ineffective treatment suggestions.
Remove aggravating variables to fix Plantar Fasciitis
Rest to Fix Plantar Fasciitis
Rest from activity, especially those activities that require running, jumping, walking or any other weight bearing activity. If you are on your feet at work and this is aggravating your Plantar Fascia it may be necessary to take time off or request a modified job position until you heal. No amount of ice or Ibuprofen will help if you continue to not rest and aggravate your Plantar Fasciitis.
Do I need Crutches to Fix Plantar Fasciitis
It is not usually necessary to be non-weight bearing for an extended period. Casting or other devices that immobilize the Plantar Fascia for an extended period may be counter-productive. There are various therapeutic interventions that can significantly reduce the pain associated with walking. These include, night splints, stretching, orthotics, self massage, myofascial release, ultrasound and proper shoes.
Do I need a walking boot to fix Plantar Fasciitis
Walking boots are not usually necessary except in cases of torn Plantar Fascia’s. There are many types and varieties of walking boots but the variable that makes them effective in treating torn Plantar Fascia’s is a stiff soled, rocker bottom which prevents loading and flexing the Plantar Fascia. As the Plantar Fascia heals it might be possible to transition to a rocker bottom walking or running shoe.
Rocker boots or shoes can help Plantar Fasciitis
Over the Counter Orthotics can help Fix Plantar Fasciitis
Over the counter orthotics are a cheap and sometimes effective method of treating Plantar Fasciitis. If the over the counter orthotic is going to have a chance at being effective it must have a supportive, flexible arch support and be comfortable. If the orthotic is too stiff or hard and irritates the Plantar Fascia you will not be able to heal.
Over the counter orthotics must have flexible but supportive arches
Custom Orthotics to Fix Plantar Fasciits
Custom orthotics can be an effective treatment to fix Plantar Fasciitis. To be effective, they must fit into your shoes, be comfortable and have a flexible, supportive arch as part of the custom orthotic design. Proper height, density and flexibility of the custom orthotic is critical to it being effective. If you have custom orthotics that are uncomfortable, do not fit into your shoes or aggravate your Plantar Fascia you will be unable to heal. If you have an uncomfortable or ineffective pair of custom orthotics they may be able to be modified for a fraction of the cost off new custom orthotics.
SDRI can make new or modify your existing orthotics to fix Plantar Fasciitis
Taping can help Fix Plantar Fasciitis
Taping can be effective in treating Plantar Fasciitis. A common and effective taping procedure tapes the arch up to provide support. Taping can be inconvenient. There is a more effective method of taping that utilizes Kinesiotape which is a waterproof athletic tape that can be applied once every couple of days.
We use Rocktape or Kinesiotape for best results to fix Plantar Fasciitis
Stretching will Help Fix Plantar Fasciitis
Stretching can be an effective therapy to fix Plantar Fasciitis. Stretching can be accomplished by wearing a night splint or Strassburg sock to gently stretch the Plantar Fascia while sleeping or sitting for a prolonged period of time. You can also stretch your Plantar Fascia manually throughout the day. It is important to use the correct amount of tension when stretching the Plantar Fascia. Too much tension can over-stretch and damage the Plantar Fascia. Too little stretching can be ineffective.
Works better than a night splint