If you’ve ever experienced sharp pain in the heel of your foot, especially when getting out of bed in the morning, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. This condition, also called heel spur syndrome, can be excruciating and make it difficult to walk or even stand. The good news is that treatments can help ease the pain and get you back on your feet. This blog post will look at plantar fasciitis, its causes, and some of the best treatment options. Make sure you talk to a specialist in plantar fasciitis at Mill Creek for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Stretching Exercises
One of the best things you can do for plantar fasciitis is stretch the affected area. Several specific stretching exercises can be helpful, and your doctor or physical therapist can show you how to perform them correctly. These stretches can help to lengthen the plantar fascia and ease the tension and pain. You can try exercises such as :
- Toe stretches: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Place a towel around the ball of your foot and pull gently on both ends to stretch the toes and arch.
- Heel cord stretch: Stand with one leg crossed behind the other, keeping your heel on the ground. Bend your front leg and lean forward, keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch in the back of your calf.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and place a towel around the ball of one foot. Pull-on on both ends of the towel to stretch the plantar fascia.
Padding and Strapping
Another treatment option for plantar fasciitis is padding and strapping. This involves padding around the heel and arch to support the foot and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. You can also use straps or tape to hold the padding in place. This is often done with other treatments such as stretching and icing.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another treatment option that can be helpful for plantar fasciitis. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues in your foot. They may also use massage, ultrasound, or other modalities to reduce pain and inflammation.
Orthotics
Orthotics, which are custom-made shoe inserts, can be helpful for plantar fasciitis. They can support the foot’s arch and help reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Orthotics can be purchased over-the-counter or custom-made by a podiatrist or orthotist. It would help if you talked to your doctor about whether orthotics are right.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to release the plantar fascia or remove a heel spur. This is usually only recommended for severe cases that have not responded to other treatments. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks or months.
In summary, plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes sharp pain in the heel of the foot. Several treatment options are available, including stretching exercises, padding and strapping, physical therapy, orthotics, and surgery. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
