Plantar Fasciitis is a chronic pain at the bottom of your foot or heel and is known to be extremely painful. While it does look similar to an inflammation it is a degenerative problem involving the tissues connecting the heel and toes.

Athletes, people with high archers or flat feet and those who are overweight commonly experience the condition.  The pain may cause walking to be difficult and can greatly inconvenience life. Though it can take 6-12 months for the foot to heal, here are a few home remedies to keep the pain at bay.

Rest

The foot needs to be kept in an upright position with as little weight applied. Walking should be minimized and the feet should be rested until the inflammation has reduced.

Ice

Keeping an ice pack on the inflamed foot can help reduce the pain and reduce swelling. Wrapping ice cubes in a towel and keeping it over the inflamed area can make an ice pack. Another option is soaking both feet in ice water for a few minutes over a period of half an hour. However, it is important to remember never to directly keep ice on the inflamed area.

Suitable footwear

The main cause for Plantar Fasciitis is either the high arch of flat bridge on the under of the foot connecting the heel and toes. Use plantar Fasciitis shoes designed especially for people with this condition. The shoes are made with special materials aimed at supporting the prone areas of the foot. Made in the newest styles, these shoes are the perfect balance between trendy and supportive. 

plantar fasciitis shoes
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Pain relievers

Taking pain relievers are more of a solution than a remedy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are over the counter painkillers that can be purchased for instant relief. However certain pain relievers can have its side effects when taken regularly. Although pain relievers are taken for immediate relief steps should be taken to counter the pain before it becomes unbearable.

Night Splints

When we sleep our feet usually point downwards which causes tension on the Plantar Fasciitis, what a night splinter does is it keep the feet pointed at a 90-degree angle. It is bulky and not the most comfortable but does the trick.

There are lifestyle changes that can also be made to reduce the impact of Plantar Fasciitis.

Losing excess weight

Excess weight loss is one major way to manage the condition. Our feet take the weight of our bodies, hence being the ideal weight for your body-build and age is vital.

Low impact exercises

Running is probably not the best type of exercise but sports such as swimming or cycling are ideal. These types of sports do not apply direct pressure on the feet thereby not causing plantar fasciitis. However, after the exercise is it important to relax the feet and calf muscles by stretching the legs, toe curls and feet rotation.

Plantar Fasciitis is not a life-threatening condition but can cause a great amount of pain and inconvenience. Taking all steps possible to counter it is the only way to manage the condition.