Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the fascia, the thick tissue stretching from the heel to the toe joints along the bottom of the foot.The most common symptoms include burning, pain and a stabbing sensation at the heel. A patient senses pain during the early morning hours. Inflammation may resurface later in the day as a dull aching sensation when additional movement and weight bearing increase. According to MayoClinic.com, 90 percent of plantar fasciitis victims recover within several months after receiving conservative treatment. Recovery time for plantar fasciitis averages about nine months, reports MedlinePlus.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter medications including ibuprofen and naproxen decrease pain and inflammation associated with the condition. These medications do not treat the underlying problem but will diminish symptoms. Patients also may apply ice to the area for comfort measures. MayoClinic.com advises patients to use ice therapy three to four times a day or after physical activity. The clinic also suggests that patients implement ice massage to reduce pain and inflammation. With this therapy, frozen water in a disposable cup is rolled along the bottom of the feet, over the fascia, for about five minutes.
Stretching Excercises
Stretching the plantar fascia as well as Achilles tendon and calf muscles decreases the throbbing associated with plantar fasciitis. A variety of common household objects are incorporated into the stretching program. Using a can of vegetables or fruit, a person rolls the can on the bottom of the feet for additional massage and stretching. Sitting on the ground, a person places an exercise band, belt or towel around the base of the foot and pulls on the ends for about 15 seconds to stretch the fascia. The exercise should be repeated ten times, according to PlantarFasciitisBraces.com. A person may flex her toes to release tension and pressure by sitting on the floor and pulling on her toes until a slight stretch in the arch is felt. The exercise is held and repeated as necessary.
Therapy
A variety of therapies helps treat plantar fasciitis. Physical therapists show patients proper exercise techniques, as well as proper use of athletic tape around the foot for additional support. Medical doctors often suggest that patients wear night splints so the fascia remains continuously stretched while a person sleeps. They also may recommend specialized shoes called orthotics or inserts placed in the shoes. The shoes and inserts give additional arch support so foot pressure remains equally dispersed, according to MayoClinic.com. Short leg casts or boot options may be worn if these treatments remain unsuccessful. The cast commonly reaches right below the knee. Patients wear the casts or boots from three to six weeks to decrease the fascia inflammation.
