INITIAL TREATMENTS
What are the main treatments you should start with as soon as you know you suffer from plantar fasciitis:
Ice
Ice application is easily accessible and can be done in virtually any setting.
Guidelines: Apply ice that you will wrap in a thin towel under your heel at the rate of:
- Duration: 10 minutes.
- Repeat every 2 to 4 hours
Tip from your podiatrist: You can use a frozen water bottle or a frozen golf ball and roll it under your foot. You will cover a larger area as well.
Compression stockings
The inflammation mainly causes edema, also called swelling. This swelling is partly responsible for your pain.
There are different means of compression to reduce this edema and thus reduces pain.
1. Apply an elastic bandage (ACE type) which is easily found in pharmacies.
** If your toes become numb or have a bluish tinge, your bandage is applied too tight **
2. Wear a medical compression stocking that can be found in pharmacies or specialty stores.
These stockings can be custom-made, but a pre-made or athletic compression stocking is sufficient here.
Also, Add support to your shoes to help your feet arches recovery faster!
Oral anti-inflammatories and drugs
Several professionals recommend taking anti-inflammatory drugs when your musculoskeletal pain is severe. Some popular brands like Advil ™ or Aleeve ™ can be found over the counter at drugstores.
Here's what you think of taking anti-inflammatory drugs: While they reduce the excess inflammation that is part of your pain, they don't repair your fascia or attack the cause of the problem. As a result, you may think you are "cured" when the medication helps to alleviate your symptoms. A common mistake is to think that a pill alone will solve the problem while continuing your normal activities.
Advice from your podiatrist: It is important to consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking these medications to assess the risks and benefits them, even if some of them are over the counter.