Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, particularly upon waking or after long periods of standing. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. While plantar fasciitis can be painful and limiting, several effective treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Dr. Charlotte Reisinger and Dr. Dusky Farmer at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN, can explain how to treat plantar fasciitis and your options. 

Options for Treating Plantar Fasciitis 

Your podiatrist in Evansville, IN, may recommend several options for treating plantar fasciitis. It’s important to know that you may need to combine treatments to get your desired results. Treatment can include lifestyle changes and help relieve your daily pain. 

Giving your foot adequate rest is one of the most important steps in treating plantar fasciitis. Repetitive strain on the plantar fascia can worsen inflammation, so modifying activities that exacerbate the pain is essential. Reducing activities like running, prolonged walking, or standing for long periods can allow the tissue to heal. Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling may be substituted to maintain fitness without putting excessive stress on the foot. 

Stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia can help relieve tension in the foot and reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Simple stretches, such as calf stretches against a wall or rolling a tennis ball under the foot, can improve flexibility and reduce tightness. Strengthening exercises, like towel scrunches (using the toes to scrunch up a towel) or toe curls with a resistance band, can improve muscle support and alleviate strain on the plantar fascia. 

Night splints are devices worn while sleeping that keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position, gently stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon throughout the night. Night splints can prevent morning pain and stiffness commonly associated with plantar fasciitis by maintaining a stretched position. Although it may take time to get used to wearing a night splint, many people find relief from their symptoms over time with consistent use. 

Wearing supportive footwear is crucial for managing plantar fasciitis. Shoes with good arch support and cushioned soles can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and prevent further injury. Avoid wearing shoes with little support, such as flip-flops or high heels, as they can exacerbate the condition. In some cases, custom orthotics or over-the-counter shoe inserts may be recommended to provide additional arch support and help distribute weight evenly across the foot. 

Other options can include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgery. 

Contact Our Podiatrists Today 

Find out how you can relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Contact Dr. Charlotte Reisinger and Dr. Dusky Farmer at Reisinger Farmer Podiatry in Evansville, IN, to learn more about plantar fasciitis treatment options. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (812) 421-8555.