Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: OTC, Prescription, And Other Therapy Choices
Which plantar fasciitis treatment is the right choice? This common condition causes inflammation and pain. If your heel hurts and the pain is persistent, take a look at what you need to know about the treatment options and find relief.
Can You Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, you can treat this podiatric problem. Even though you may feel pain first thing in the morning, after sitting, or while walking/moving, you don't have to live with constant or nagging discomfort. Instead, you can get help and treat the cause of plantar fasciitis and the symptoms.
Before you choose one treatment, you may need to learn more about the possible causes. More specifically, you may need to know the true cause of your pain. As the name says, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia (or band of tissue that connects the heel bone to your toes).
Age, overuse, some types of movement or exercise, and the shape of your feet can cause this condition. A podiatrist can help you to better understand how your daily activities or body impact the development of plantar fasciitis.
After you know why you have heel pain, you're ready to take the next step and choose a treatment. The specific plantar fasciitis relief method you select depends on the cause, the severity of the pain, your preferences, and the doctor's recommendations.
Can You Take OTC Pain Medications?
Over-the-counter (also known as OTC) pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are go-to treatments for many types of pain. But can you use the same pills that treat your headaches or backaches to relieve plantar fasciitis pain?
According to survey data from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, two-thirds of patients with plantar fasciitis use this type of treatment for pain. Almost half of these patients chose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (or NSAID) medications. Just over one-quarter used acetaminophen.
Can You Take Prescription Medications?
If OTC medications don't work, your doctor may prescribe a stronger type of pill. More than one-quarter of patients who use pain medications to treat this condition take prescription opioids, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Prescription strength NSAIDs are also common choices to treat this type of chronic discomfort.
Are There Other Types of Treatments?
Medications aren't the only way to treat plantar fasciitis pain. Other options include physical therapy, orthotics, night splints, radiofrequency ablation, shock wave therapy, and injectable steroids. Severe or chronic pain that doesn't respond to more conservative medical measures may require surgery to detach the ligament (fascia) from the heel bone.