How should plantar fasciitis be treated?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 09, 2024
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For the treatment of plantar fasciitis, there are currently two approaches used in clinical practice: The first is conservative treatment, which mainly includes rest, local injections, electrotherapy, magnet therapy, and the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters, as well as plasters that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis to alleviate pain in the sole of the foot. Additionally, foot muscle stretching exercises can be performed at home to help relieve the symptoms of plantar fascia pain. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective for over six months, or if the pain worsens progressively and severely affects your daily weight-bearing activities, then surgical treatment may be necessary. The goals of surgical treatment are to release the plantar fascia, reduce chronic inflammation in the area, and possibly remove heel spurs, thereby alleviating the pain in the sole of the foot.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

Can you run with plantar fasciitis?

Patients with plantar fasciitis should absolutely avoid running, as running can increase the pressure on the sole of the foot, leading to a worsening of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you want to exercise while suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is recommended to go swimming, as swimming does not put pressure on the feet. Additionally, swimming can provide proper stretching of the plantar fascia, which can help alleviate pain symptoms and aid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Currently, there are two main clinical treatments: the first is conservative treatment, such as rest, massage, acupuncture, and injection therapy to alleviate local pain. If these treatments are ineffective or if the pain gradually worsens, surgical treatment may be necessary. The goals of surgery are to release the plantar fascia and to remove bone spurs to help relieve pain.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

For the disease of plantar fasciitis, if treated under normal conventional methods, the recovery time is generally around four to six weeks. However, during the treatment period, it is crucial to strictly follow the treatment principles, such as prohibiting excessive weight-bearing walking, strenuous exercise, and overworking. At the same time, some physical therapy methods should be coordinated, such as massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and magnetotherapy. In more severe cases, occlusion methods can be used to alleviate local pain. Generally, the time frame is four to six weeks. If the results from regular conservative treatment are not satisfactory, surgical treatment may be required later on.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Where to massage for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition seen in clinics, often more frequent among women who wear high heels for extended periods on uneven surfaces, as this may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Due to prolonged tension in the soles of the feet, coupled with extended periods of standing and walking, this phenomenon can easily occur. Once it happens, treatments such as heat application, physiotherapy, massage, and electric heating can help alleviate the symptoms. Methods like massage and heat application can stimulate increased local blood flow, expand blood vessels, and accelerate blood flow, effectively alleviating symptoms and thus easing the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. It is best to rest strictly in bed for this condition. When standing, the weight-bearing on the affected foot makes the pain more pronounced. Symptoms naturally alleviate when the fascia is relaxed during rest. Treatments such as physiotherapy and massage, as well as taking medications that promote blood circulation and relieve pain, are needed. The improvement is a prolonged process, but conditions are prone to recurrence. It is advisable to wear softer sports shoes more often, with softer, thicker insoles to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
57sec home-news-image

How should plantar fasciitis be treated?

For the treatment of plantar fasciitis, there are currently two approaches used in clinical practice: The first is conservative treatment, which mainly includes rest, local injections, electrotherapy, magnet therapy, and the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters, as well as plasters that activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis to alleviate pain in the sole of the foot. Additionally, foot muscle stretching exercises can be performed at home to help relieve the symptoms of plantar fascia pain. However, if conservative treatment is ineffective for over six months, or if the pain worsens progressively and severely affects your daily weight-bearing activities, then surgical treatment may be necessary. The goals of surgical treatment are to release the plantar fascia, reduce chronic inflammation in the area, and possibly remove heel spurs, thereby alleviating the pain in the sole of the foot.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
34sec home-news-image

Where to apply moxibustion for plantar fasciitis?

In cases of plantar fasciitis, moxibustion on acupuncture points such as Zu San Li and Qu Chi can effectively alleviate pain. However, relying solely on moxibustion for treatment is not very effective; it only serves as a supplementary role. For treating fasciitis, it is crucial to rest adequately and avoid excessive fatigue. Shockwave therapy can be utilized for treatment and requires a prolonged, gradual approach to condition management. Daily warm water foot soaks can also help mitigate symptoms and accelerate healing.