Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief in Houston, TX

Too much pressure on the plantar fascia can damage or tear the tissue, leading to heel pain. When the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or overused repeatedly, irritation or inflammation may occur, which can exacerbate the condition.

The plantar fasciitis symptoms often include sharp pain at the bottom of the heel, particularly after prolonged periods of rest or after long walks. Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis also include pain when you first stand up in the morning or after sitting for a long time, with discomfort easing as you move but worsening again with prolonged standing or walking.

Certain risk factors make you more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. These include obesity, foot arch problems such as flat feet or high arches, and engaging in activities like long-distance running, ballet dancing, or dance aerobics. Occupations that require prolonged walking or standing on hard surfaces, as well as wearing shoes with poor arch support or thin soles, can also increase the likelihood of developing this painful condition.

If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis pain, seeking natural relief for plantar fasciitis through an osteopath for plantar fasciitis could be a game-changer. A foot osteopath can provide targeted treatment to ease pain and help you regain mobility. Whether you’re looking for a plantar fasciitis doctor or need a professional to address your discomfort, a visit to a plantar fasciitis doctor can help you get back to your active lifestyle.

The most common symptom is stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel. The pain develops gradually and may involve either one or both feet at the same time. Pain is usually worse in the morning or may aggravate after standing up for a long time.

The doctors will diagnose by examining your foot and checking for the signs of flat feet or high arches, tenderness, swelling, redness of the foot, and stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot. An X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other causes of heel pain such as a stress fracture or pinched nerve may be ordered.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Houston

Most patients are effectively treated with the following measures:

Rest: Decrease or avoid activities that worsen the pain.
Ice: The quick treatment is to apply an ice pack over the painful area at least twice a day for 10–15 minutes during the first few days.
Supportive shoes and orthotics: Your doctor may recommend you wear shoes with good support and cushioning. Custom orthotics (shoe inserts) may also be helpful.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): Following treatment, your osteopath may suggest an exercise program that focuses on stretching your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. These exercises may help to strengthen the muscles of the lower leg. OMT for plantar fasciitis can effectively reduce pain and improve mobility.
Physical therapy: Your physical therapist, in addition to exercises, may use the application of athletic taping to support the bottom of your foot.
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can reduce your pain and inflammation. Homeopathic injections can be applied directly into the plantar fascia to offer pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Night splints: The use of night splints is beneficial as they stretch the plantar fascia and allow it to heal.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: During this procedure, sound waves are targeted to the painful area to stimulate the healing process in the damaged plantar fascia tissue.
Surgery: Rarely, surgery to release the tight plantar fascia may be needed. However, it is recommended only after all nonsurgical measures have failed.

Preventive measures such as stretching exercise programs and footwear modifications can help prevent plantar fasciitis.