What is the best treatment for plantar fasciitis? Typically, the best sore heel pain treatment is based on what caused the pain in the first place.
With the exception of more severe cases of plantar fasciitis, heel pain can be normally be reduced and eliminated through simple, common, home therapy.
There are many types and variations of treatments so you may have to try several to determine what works for you. Typical home therapy may include anti-inflamatory / pain relief medications, stretching, icing, orthotics, self-massage, physical therapy, resting your foot, and just plain common sense with regard to activity levels.
If those common measures don’t work for you, then you definitely should see a doctor to determine the best course of action. There are a number of alternative treatment options outside the realm of home therapy. Your doctor can help determine which of these options might be best for you.
Treatment Options
Select the Treatments drop-down menu to access a list of treatment categories. Next, click on the category to reveal articles related to specific treatment options.
You can also quickly access information regarding various treatment options using the links that follow. The links have been alphabetized for quicker referral. Just click on the appropriate link to access information about that type of treatment.
Achilles tendon massage
Calf and leg muscle massage
Children’s heel pain
Deep tissue massage
Diabetes and heel pain
Electric foot massagers
Epsom salt soak
Herbs
Massage sticks and rollers
Plantar Fasciosis (definition)
RICE method of initial self-care
Self-massage techniques
Thumb massage for the plantar fascia
Trigger point therapy for calf muscles
Hi Allyn
Thanks for all your advice. I have had fasciitis for the past eight months, which progressed to excruciating pain. I have now got it down to only a small measure of pain compared to what it was before. A combination of Japanese Kenkoh reflexology sandals, a regular foot bath made up of Epsom Salts, Apple Cider Vinegar and water, foot massages, including the rolling of iced bottles and the last week I been taking Alpha Lipoic Acid as a natural anti-inflammatory. I am finally beginning to feel the relief. I was also diagnosed for Diabetes Type 2 a month ago. I am beginning to wonder if the fasciitis is indeed related to the diabetes. Please keep me posted on any progress and news which can assist. I have just lost 9kg and am really trying my utmost to reverse all this recent drama. At 63, I am not ready to give in yet. Kindest regards, Marty
Marty – So sorry to hear about the double hit of fasciitis and diabetes. Sounds like me (plus similar age)! You’ve worked hard to overcome the pain and it’s nice to hear from someone who’s used several of the treatments I’ve written about. A couple others have previously responded that they have used epsom salts and/or other natural treatment options. The ice bottle massage is an excellent choice, too. I really appreciate hearing about the other options you’ve utilized. Like me, keep working on that diabetes issue. It certainly doesn’t help our feet (or the rest of our body). I’ll keep you updated if I find any significant info regarding diabetes and fasciitis.