What Treatments Are Available For Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most difficult conditions related to the feet you may experience. While plantar fasciitis is not uncommon, the condition can seriously impact your life. Fortunately, several treatments are available to ensure that you can get back to your normal life with as little pain as possible. These are some of the treatments you might consider.

Medications

Medications are a common form of treatment to help patients cope with the pain of plantar fasciitis. Over-the-counter pain medications can provide a lot of help. Ibuprofen and Aleve relieve inflammation as you await your doctor's appointment.

Physical Therapy

For some patients, physical therapy actually allows for a lot of pain relief. Physical therapy involves stretching and strengthening exercises that help you build some strength. Not only will you work to stretch and strengthen your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, but you will also build strength throughout your legs.

Orthotics

Orthotics include devices you can wear on your feet to ensure you can stand comfortably without putting too much pressure on your plantar fascia. You can put orthotics in your shoe to help you build a stronger arch in your feet. The goal is to evenly distribute weight throughout your foot. These devices can be customized specifically for your feet or you can buy them over the counter.

Injections

An injection of a type of steroidal medication allows you to experience temporary pain relief. Unfortunately, this is not a long-term solution for many people because the injections can lead to weakness in your feet. Your doctor may recommend the injection while you await another kind of treatment.

Surgical Procedure

A surgical procedure to remove scar tissue may be your best bet for finding relief. Another option is to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone, which can relieve some of the pain and tension.

If you have fought plantar fasciitis for years, this procedure may be the best option for you. Fortunately, the surgery is not super intense, and you will not be away from work for long. Recovery will leave you with less likelihood you will experience plantar fasciitis again in the future. For people who are prone to this issue, this can provide significant relief.

Now that you have a better idea of how to deal with plantar fasciitis, you can discuss your issues with your doctor. A podiatrist can provide answers to your questions and administer a treatment that works well for you and your needs.