Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
October 19, 2018
People with plantar fasciitis may experience varying levels of discomfort throughout the day. Whether the day consists of being on the feet or sitting at a desk all day, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis will be present. The good news is there are simple ways Frisco patients can reduce these symptoms without altering their daily routine too much. Here are five ways to do so.
Stretch the Arches of the Feet
Stretching the arches of the feet will help strengthen the plantar fascia and provide both short-term and long-term relief. An easy way to do this is to sit in a chair and put a towel on the ground. Grab the towel with the toes and pull it back slowly until the arch begins to feel slightly stretched. A few of these stretches every day will go a long way in reducing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Invest in Supportive Footwear
People in Frisco who have plantar fasciitis may have developed the condition because of improper support in their shoes. So to help reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it’s recommended to find a shoe with the proper support. Everyone’s foot is shaped differently, so it may be best to get a recommendation from a reputable doctor like Dr. Verville to ensure the proper footwear is chosen.
Choose Low-Impact Exercises
Most people in Frisco are happy to hear they can still exercise even when they have plantar fasciitis. The main thing to alter is the type of workouts completed. Running can put strain on the heel and arches of the feet, so try to avoid that activity as much as possible. Swimming, lifting weights, seated resistance training and other similar activities are recommended since the impact on the feet is minimal. For people who are natural runners, it’s still possible to run. Just be sure to scale back the intensity significantly, invest in the proper footwear and don’t overdo it.
Massage the Feet
A good foot massage never hurt anyone. Frisco patients can easily give themselves a foot massage to help their plantar fasciitis symptoms. Massaging the feet with the hands or even rolling a golf ball or similar item under the foot can provide a substantial amount of relief. There’s no right or wrong way to massage the feet, but the relief is evident however it’s done.
Rest with Ice
Resting is one of the best ways to help reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If any discomfort is felt while resting, simply place an ice pack or another cold item on the heels or arches for a few minutes. This will help ease some of the tension felt and relaxing may be a little easier.
RNV Podiatry works with patients every day who have plantar fasciitis. By following these tips and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can experience significant relief from the symptoms. Dr. Verville will put together a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms in order to speed up the process of feeling back to normal.
For more tips like this, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Verville, contact us at (214) 385-8822 today.
