Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick fibrous band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. This inflammation results in a stabbing pain that is worse after rest but usually improves during activity. Plantar fasciitis is most common in runners and in overweight women who wear shoes that do no provide adequate support. The Mayo Clinic states that 90 percent of those who have plantar fasciitis recover with conservative treatment including rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.
Naproxen
Naproxen, or Aleve, belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of drugs is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Naproxen, particularly, can reduce inflammation around your plantar fascia and help you manage the pain associated with this condition. It works by altering certain chemical signals in the body that are related to pain and inflammatory processes. Take naproxen exactly as directed on the drug label or by your doctor. Be aware that naproxen may cause an ulcer or stomach bleeding. Therefore, stop taking naproxen and seek immediate medical treatment if you have black or bloody stool or are coughing or vomiting up blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, states Drugs.com.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication commonly used to treat plantar fasciitis. This medication works by the same mechanism as naproxen; however, people respond differently to different types of NSAIDs. For example, your body may not be responding appropriately to naproxen, but may respond better if you switch to ibuprofen. There may also be less of a risk of stomach bleeding with ibuprofen. In one study reported in Drugs.com, 885 people took ibuprofen for one year and did not experience gastrointestinal ulcers. However, let your doctor know if ibuprofen is not relieving your symptoms after a few days of use.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of medication that can decrease the inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, this medication can be applied topically over the bottom of your foot or with an injection. Through a process called iontophoresis, topical corticosteroids can be absorbed through the bottom of your foot with the aid of a non-painful electric current. Corticosteroids can also be injected into your plantar fascia. After your doctor identifies the area causing the most pain, he will numb the area and then inject corticosteroids into your plantar fascia under flouroscopic (live x-ray) guidance. You may notice immediate improvement because the corticosteroid is mixed with an anesthetic. However, it takes a few days for the corticosteroid to take effect. You can not receive more than three corticosteroid injections into your plantar fascia per year because it may weaken the fibers and cause the plantar fascia to rupture.
