Plantar fasciitis is a common, painful condition that affects the heel and the bottom of your foot. If you've been dealing with the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, you're likely eager to find the quickest path to recovery.
The good news is that there are at-home strategies and in-office treatments to help you get the relief you need. Read on as Dr. Dustin Hamoy, DPT, MTC, DNC, CKTP, CWCHP, shares effective strategies and treatments to speed up your healing process.
There are many reasons why your feet might hurt, and plantar fasciitis is a common culprit. When your plantar fascia 一a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot 一 becomes inflamed, it can cause:
Wearing ill-fitting shoes, being overweight, walking on hard surfaces, or training too hard can increase your risk for developing plantar fasciitis. The only way to know for sure is through an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Hamoy diagnoses plantar fasciitis through an exam, a review of your symptoms, and if necessary, imaging tests (like X-rays) to rule out other conditions.
Though plantar fasciitis can be a persistent condition, there are several strategies to accelerate your healing process:
Overuse can contribute to plantar fasciitis. This is especially true for runners who add too many miles too quickly.
Rest is important when you need to recover from plantar fasciitis. Avoid activities that worsen the pain as continuing to run or work out can make your symptoms worse.
Consider using an assistive brace to limit weight-bearing on the affected foot.
Stretching can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain, especially the gastrocnemius stretch, towel stretches, and foot flexes.
Tip: Do your stretches as soon as you wake up before taking your first step of the day. That’s when plantar fasciitis tends to be the worst. When stretching, massage the arch of your foot before you stand up.
Wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis, but the reverse is also true. Wearing the right shoes (i.e. ones with good arch support) can help you on your road to recovery. Custom orthotics can also provide extra cushioning and arch support and reduce strain on your plantar fascia.
Apply ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Always keep a towel between your foot and the ice pack to prevent skin damage.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help you manage pain and inflammation, but use them only as directed.
Although these quick fixes can help you get started on your recovery, it’s important to seek professional medical advice to address any underlying issues. Here are some advanced treatment options here at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Center that can hasten your recovery:
Physical therapy is an umbrella term that can include personalized exercises and treatments to address plantar fasciitis and improve your foot's strength and flexibility.
Here at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center, Dr. Hamoy offers multiwave locked system (MLS®) laser therapy (ASA Laser) to help jumpstart your healing. MLS laser therapy helps by promoting tissue repair, boosting your body’s natural healing processes, promoting oxygen and nutrient flow to the injured area, and releasing natural painkillers.
The fastest way to recover is to work with Dr. Hamoy to confirm the source of your pain and create a custom treatment plan for you. Otherwise, you run the risk of trying at-home strategies for plantar fasciitis when, in reality, you’re dealing with a different injury. Remember, many conditions can cause heel pain!
Say goodbye to plantar fasciitis and call our Glen Burnie, Maryland, office at 659-204-5737. You can also request an appointment online and get started today.
