Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with relatively simple conservative methods. Only in rare cases is surgery actually necessary. Conservative methods such as a combination of night splints, rest and ice, orthotics, and stretching exercises have been repeatedly proven to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Click to review medical studies on the effectiveness of night splints.

Even though treatment is simple it may take several months for symptoms to resolve themselves. Remember that a strained ligament occurs after repeated stress and will take repeated rest and treatment to heal. Also, the longer the symptoms have been present and the more severe the heel pain, the even longer the treatment course.

The first step is to eliminate the activity that caused the strain. Modify your activity or exercise patterns to reduce stress on the foot, rest and elevate the foot whenever possible. Switch from running and walking to activities such as swimming and cycling to relieve stress. If standing for long periods of time try to use cushioning, anti-fatigue mats if possible. Regular activity should be increased gradually as tolerated.

A routine of deep massage to the area of heel pain may also help alleviate pain. In the morning after a warm bath or shower massage the foot and heel, repeatedly flex the foot as well. Follow with stretching exercises.

Stretching is a very critical part to rehabilitation. Start routine, daily stretching exercises to recondition and strengthen the plantar fascia and heel cord. Those with plantar fasciitis typically show decreased ankle dorsiflexion and tight Achilles tendons. Stretching both the plantar fascia and heel cord will help decrease the amount of tension on the fascia, thereby decreasing the amount of inflammation. Click here for some suggested stretching exercises. Stretching should be done at least twice daily - once in morning after massage and once at night before applying a night splint. Stretching should be done very slowly and carefully without over-stretching.

The most effective and simplest part of any plantar fasciitis treatment plan is the use of night splints. Night splints have been proven to speed healing and reduce the associated heel pain and inflammation from plantar fasciitis. Also, night splints help reduce the heel pain during those first steps in the morning.

Plantar Fasciitis splints are typically called night splints because they are worn at night during sleep or during rest after activity. Often the most severe pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis is experienced in the morning, which could cause the first few steps to be excruciating. The position of the feet and ankles as we sleep promotes cramping of the fascia and calf muscles. When feet are pointed under the weight of blankets the plantar fascia is contracted (shortened). Those first steps in the morning are painful because the fascia which as been contracted all night is suddenly stretched and pulled.

Night Splints are designed to comfortably position the foot in a controlled amount of dorsiflexion to provide a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon. This gentle stretch helps reduce the muscle contracture, inflammation, and associated heel pain, and helps promote healing of plantar fasciitis. Night splints have also been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Wear proper shoes at all times. Avoid walking barefoot, always wear a cushioning sole. Shoes should have no or minimal heel, a well-cushioned sole, and soft arch support. Rigid orthotics are not recommended for the tender plantar fascia. Stress and pressure can be relieved on the heel and arch with soft viscoelastic heel cushions or ¾ insoles with slight arch support.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) may help reduce pain and discomfort.

Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be self-treated with conservative methods. Plantar fasciitis night splints are commonly available through online dealers and home medical equipment dealers. Remember, conservative treatments must be adhered to for several weeks to start the healing process.

Severe or persistent plantar fasciitis should be diagnosed by a medical professional. Podiatrists treat conditions of the foot and ankle including plantar fasciitis. To find a Podiatrist in your area please visit www.apma.org. During diagnosis a Podiatrist will review the history of your symptoms, determine where your heel or foot is tender, check your flexibility, and may take an x-ray of your heel. If conservative treatments show no improvements, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid injections, or deep x-ray therapy. In only rare cases is surgery ever necessary.


Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Plan:

Rest and Modify Activities
Avoid the activities that caused the strain.

Deep Massage
Massage the area of heel pain - especially in the morning after a warm bath or shower.

Perform Routine Stretching Exercising
Stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon at least twice each day.

Wear Night Splints
Use plantar fasciitis night splints to maintain a gentle, constant stretch across the plantar fascia during sleep or at rest.

Wear Proper Shoes and Heel Cushions
Ensure shoes have a well-cushioned sole and provide arch support. Avoid walking barefoot, always where cushioning soles and soft viscoelastic heel cushions or insoles.


How do Night Splints Work?

Plantar Fasciitis splints are typically called "night" splints because they are worn at night during sleep or during rest after activity. Often the most severe pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis is experienced in the morning, which could cause the first few steps to be excruciating. The position the feet and ankles are held in as we sleep promotes cramping of the fascia and calf muscles. When feet are pointed under the weight of the blankets the plantar fascia muscle is contracted (shortened). Those first steps in the morning are painful because the muscle which as been contracted all night is suddenly stretched and pulled.

Night Splints are designed to comfortably position the foot in a controlled amount of dorsiflexion to provide a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon. This gentle stretch helps reduce the muscle contracture, inflammation, and associated pain, and helps promote healing of the injured tendons and muscles. It has also been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints can be used to treat the following conditions:
Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Plantarflexion Contractures
Heel Spurs
Equinous Conditions
Pronation Syndromes
Muscle Tightening and Runner's Cramp