12 Tips to Manage Plantar Fasciitis

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-to-manage-plantar-fasciitis

Stretching, surgery and shoe inserts are among the options to treat plantar fasciitis.

By Ruben Castaneda and Vanessa Caceres July 6, 2020, at 1:25 p.m.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

DO YOU HAVE HEEL PAIN when you wake up in the morning? You may have plantar fasciitis.

"The plantar fascia is a broad, flat ligament that travels from the base of the heel bone to the ball of the foot," says podiatrist Dr. James R. Hanna of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association in New York. "Its purpose is to help support the longitudinal arch of the foot. Overstretching of the plantar fascia can cause injury and inflammation, resulting in plantar fasciitis."

Here are 12 tips to help manage plantar fasciitis and guidance on when to see a health care professional:

  • Ice the affected area.

  • Use supportive footwear.

  • Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

  • Try shoe inserts.

  • Rethink your exercise routine.

  • Stretch your feet regularly.

  • Nix barefoot walking.

  • See a health care professional if you're not finding relief.

  • Try extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

  • Consider the Tenex procedure.

  • Be patient.

  • Know that plantar fasciitis might recur.

Sources

Miguel Cunha, DPM

Cunha is a podiatrist in New York City.

James R. Hanna, DPM

Hanna is a podiatrist in New York City.

Dixie Harms, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C

Harms is a nurse practioner practicing in Clive, Iowa.

Gina Hild, DPM

Hild is in the orthopedic section at the Cleveland Clinic.

Yolanda Ragland, DPM

Ragland is a podiatrist who practices in New York City and suburban Maryland.

Richard Rettig, DPM

Rettig is a podiatrist in Philadelphia.

heel pain, foot painJames R. Hanna DPM, PC