Heel pain or discomfort is pretty common. Our feet serve as the foundation for our entire body, so we use them a lot! Especially if you’re someone who’s on their feet a lot—like an athlete or a teacher—you’re prone to developing plantar fasciitis. In this blog, we’ll briefly go over the basics of plantar fasciitis and tell you how it should be treated.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
While the name might sound complicated, plantar fasciitis is quite simple—inflammation of your plantar fascia, or the ligament that connects your heel to your toes along the bottom of your foot. This part of your foot does a lot, and it’s important to keep it healthy and pain-free. Not only does it support your feet: It also absorbs pressure when you’re walking, running, jumping, and more.
It’s the most common cause of heel pain, and about two million people are treated for it every year. The good news? Because it’s so common, there are a lot of known treatments and things you can do to help minimize your pain! Keep reading for tips.
Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
For starters, you’ll want to talk to a professional. While plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, feeling pain or discomfort in your foot or feet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s that. You’ll want to get an official diagnosis from an expert first.
The great news is that most people who have plantar fasciitis experience recovery within 10 months of diagnosis. There are a lot of things you can do at home to relieve the tension in your plantar fascia and reduce your pain and discomfort.
#1: Wear the Right Shoes
This tip applies whether you have plantar fasciitis or not. You should always make sure you’re wearing the proper shoes for the activity you’re doing. Your shoes should be comfortable, the right size, and offer adequate support. If you regularly experience discomfort, consider investing in some shoe inserts, arch supports, or custom orthotics.
#2: Give Your Feet Some TLC
Give the bottom of your feet a good massage. If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, then there’s a lot of tension going on in your feet. Massaging can help loosen up that tension and reduce the stress being put on your plantar fascia. In addition to massaging, make sure you’re stretching as well. Tight calves can put more stress on your plantar fascia, so stretching them out should help.
#3: Know When to Rest
Pain and discomfort is often a sign that your body needs rest. Try limiting your physical activity and giving your feet a break! While you’re resting, ice the inflamed area three to four times a day for 10–15 minutes each time.
Tired of Foot Pain?
There is a chance that your plantar fasciitis won’t go away using at-home remedies, but an expert will be able to accurately assess your specific case and guide you toward recovery. If you’ve been experiencing pain and discomfort, you don’t have to put up with it anymore! Get in touch with Foot Specialists of Birmingham, and get back to doing what you love—pain free.
