How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Persistent lateral foot pain is usually due to a disorder called plantar fasciitis. It occurs when the large tendon located on the bottom of the foot develops a small tear. Since the tendon connects to the heel pain frequently extends there as well. The tendon tear is typically the result of repetitive trauma rather than a specific injury. Plantar fasciitis pain is extremely difficult to cure because most of us spend the majority of our day standing or walking; however, by combining a series of simple treatments the sharp stabbing lateral foot pain of plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Stretch to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

   Begin a foot and achilles tendon stretching program. Fifteen minutes twice a day is fine. Many websites diagram the various exercises used to treat plantar fasciitis pain.

2. Ice to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

   Ice the foot experiencing lateral foot pain after the stretching program. If you don't have an ice bag then a bag of frozen vegetables will suffice.

3. Use NSAIDs to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

   Start an OTC anti-inflammatory agent such as Alleve or Advil/Motrin. Tylenol is less effective for treating the inflammation associated with the plantar fasciitis pain. Follow the medication directions and take it with food to minimize stomach upset.

4. Buy an Arch Support to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

   Buy a quality arch support from an athletic shoe store. A reputable brand is Spenco. The arch support should be used for as long as you're on your feet. Using arch supports regularly may help reduce the likelihood of developing a recurrence of plantar fasciitis pain.

5. Do Not Walk Barefooted to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

   Avoid walking barefooted or on uneven surfaces. Doing so worsens the lateral foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

6. Purchase a nocturnal foot splint. It can be purchased from your local durable medical equipment store generally without a prescription. The foot splint is worn on the foot experiencing plantar fasciitis pain at bedtime. Worn properly it pulls the far end of your foot towards you thereby reducing pressure on the torn plantar fascia ligament.

Tips & Warnings

• To maximize your likelihood for success don't skip any of the recommended steps.

• See your doctor if your lateral foot pain fails to improve after several weeks. The symptoms might not be due to plantar fasciitis.

• The plantar fasciitis pain can recur. It's best to lose weight and continue all the treatment measures on a daily basis to prevent a recurrence of plantar fasciitis pain.