Managing chronic pain from plantar fasciitis is not an easy task. Amid the hectic schedule taking some time out for regular pain relief is like a full-time task. Does plantar fasciitis go away? If this is the question that bothers a patient, there is good news. Thankfully, there are simple and effective treatment options available to get relief from the pain and discomfort. The best part is that plantar fasciitis treatment is possible anywhere and anytime, whether one is taking a time off from work, watching television, making an office call, or running any errands.
Feet massaging
Carrying a mobility ball, golf ball, or a tennis ball on a purse, drawer, or office desk is a budget-friendly, yet effective tool for pain relief. One can provide comfort and pain relief throughout the day using the ball. It can be used while one is sitting at a workplace desk, or standing and rolling the ball under the foot while applying steady pressure.
When the tender area or hot spots of pain are identified, steady pressure should be applied for a few seconds before rolling the ball again underneath the foot. When pressure is exerted and the foot gets the massage, it distracts the pain receptors located in the brain and there is proper flow of blood to the heel and arch, healing pain on the plantar fascia ligament. Freezing the ball and then using it as a cold massage therapy can decrease the pain and discomfort as well.
Stretching
Does plantar fasciitis go away with stretching? A published study in Foot and Ankle International claims that almost 85% of patients find stretching helpful to improve their plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort. Stretching enhances the strength, and flexibility of the plantar fascia ligament, and is thereby useful for reducing or eliminating pain and other related problems.
The best thing is that one can execute the stretches with only a few minutes to spare, and they are easy and simple to do. Seeking the help of a wall, a staircase, or a desk, a pebble can be helpful while doing the stretches and gets instant help for heel pain. One can browse the internet and come across a wide array of stretching exercises for plantar fasciitis pain.
Using ice pack
Icing is one of the most popular and effective means to reduce heel spurs and pain from plantar fasciitis. It is a traditional method of treatment for soft-tissue injuries. Icing can offer temporary instant pain relief and also helps people to continue with their daily routine. Icing doesn’t mean it has to be a messy and drippy affair.
Ice pack slippers are easily available which one can place underneath the foot using soft Velcro straps. They are not expensive and can be stored in the home’s freezer and used anytime one needs them. Some prefer using a homemade ice pack with frozen peas or corn placed in a plastic bag. No matter in which form one uses the ice pack, it is helpful and a pain relief tool.
Dry cupping method
If one is concerned that plantar fasciitis goes away, he/she will be happy to get a positive answer. Apart from icing, massaging the feet, and stretching, dry cupping is also considered a good option for plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort. It might sound strange initially, as the treatment method involves positioning cups on the skin and creating a vacuum.
The vacuum creates negative pressure which increases the flow of blood to the pain area. This helps in the reduction of pain and breaks up every adhesion to the plantar fascia ligaments. All one needs is a minimum of ten minutes for dry cupping using budget-friendly cupping kits. Often the cupping method leaves red, circle-like bruises, but there is nothing to worry about as they are not painful and go away.
Using orthotics and sock splints
Using orthotics can be useful especially for those who spend a considerable amount of time on their feet. It provides a cushion to the feet and thereby eliminates or reduces the pain while walking or standing. Orthotics or heel seats are specifically designed for plantar fasciitis that raises the arch to the position that relieves pain from heel spurs. Furthermore, the inserts can also target the optimal pressure points in the foot for instant pain relief.
Sock splint is yet another effective method of keeping one’s foot stretched gently and staying away from any kind of relief. It is helpful while one is spending a lot of the time sitting and relaxing like watching TV, reading a book, lying on the couch, or browsing the internet. Podiatrists recommend using softer sock splints instead of heavier night splints since the former is easier and more comfortable to wear.
Using toe separators
Does plantar fasciitis go away using toe separators? The answer is a yes. They are known to improve the flow of blood to the feet, break down the adhesions to the plantar fascia ligament, and also offer heel and foot pain relief, strengthen ligaments and muscles in the toes. In short, toe separators help the toes to uncurl to a healthy and comfortable position and elongate the shrunken tendons.
The market is filled with an array of toe separators. Choosing a good quality is important as it is used to gently align and stretch the toes and foot while one is sleeping, sitting, or lying down. After using it, one can feel the toes and feet have become stronger and give a comfortable feeling.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common complaints in the orthopedic department. The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the foot’s arch while walking, standing, and running. The ligament undergoes excessive wear and tear, exerting pressure on the feet. This tears and damages the plantar fascia ligament and causes heel stiffness, inflammation, and pain. Does plantar fasciitis go away? This is the primary question that concerns the patients suffering from pain, and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. The above-mentioned are some of the effective, and simple treatment options for pain relief.
