The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the base of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of this thick fascia. Pain in the heels is the primary symptom of plantar fasciitis.

It is unclear what exactly causes plantar fasciitis. However, anything that puts excessive strain or stress on the plantar fascia makes the person more prone to plantar fasciitis.

Excessive running, prolonged periods of standing, obesity, a flat foot, a high arch, wearing shoes with improper support, heel straining exercises, and heel injuries are risk factors for plantar fasciitis.

Heel pain is the presenting symptom of plantar fasciitis. The pain is often sharp, severe, and unilateral. This pain makes it challenging to perform routine activities, and night pains can impact your sleep.

Plantar fasciitis can be effectively treated using homeopathic medications. These medications act by reducing inflammation. Depending on the presenting symptoms, the homeopathic prescription for plantar fasciitis differs from person to person.

Role of homeopathic medicines for heel pain – plantar fasciitis

Homeopathic medicine for the treatment of plantar fasciitis is the best choice as it treats it without the need for painkillers. The homeopathic approach for heel pain – plantar fasciitis treatment is similar to chronic joint, muscle, or connective tissue pains. The prime goal of homeopathic treatment is to decrease the pain by addressing its root cause. These remedies act by reducing swelling and stiffness along with inflammation.

The best part is when homeopathic medicines are given based on totality and constitution; it slows down the progress of plantar fasciitis. Thus, homeopathy, a gentle science, gives you pain relief in plantar fasciitis without any side effects.

Top five homeopathic medicines for heel pain – plantar fasciitis

In homeopathy, there isn’t one medication that works on all cases of plantar fasciitis. Here are the five best homeopathic medicines for heel pain – plantar fasciitis.

Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus-t.)

Common name: Poison ivy

Rhus tox. has a marked affinity for muscles, tendons, and other fibrous tissues. It is indicated for heel pain arising from excessive stress or strain on the feet, like running or exercise.

Rhus tox. heel pain worsens after rest or in the mornings as the person takes the first steps soon after waking. This heel pain subsides after continuous motion. This medicine works well for heel pains that get better with hard pressure.

Pulsatilla nigricans (Puls.)

Common name: Windflower

Pulsatilla nigricans is a homeopathic remedy for heel pain – plantar fasciitis, where pain worsens while rising from a sitting position. Pulsatilla is prominently indicated for dull, boring pain in the heel that aggravates in the evening.

Often, heel pain comes on every time the person starts walking. The changeability of symptoms is strongly indicative of Pulsatilla. This medicine is chosen for people who need to stretch their feet during pain.

Arnica montana (Arn.)

Common name: Leopard’s bane

Arnica is one of the best remedies for heel pain – plantar fasciitis arising from fall, blow, contusions, injuries, overuse, and strains. This remedy is known as a homeopathic muscular tonic. This remedy acts by reducing inflammation and lowering stiffness.

Arnica works best in plantar fasciitis pain that feels as if beaten. This person feels that the bed is hard and often searches for a soft place to lie down for relief.

Bryonia alba (Bry.)

Common name: Wild hops

Bryonia alba is the ideal choice among homeopathic medicines for heel pain – plantar fasciitis. It is indicated for heel pains that worsen from the slightest motion. In case of heel pain where rest brings relief, Bryonia should be the choice of remedy.

This remedy relieves sharp and tearing heel pains that worsen on touch and pressure. Bryonja helps with pains that begin after rest and are relieved by warmth. Pins and needle-like sensation in soles accompanying the heel pain is another unique symptom that signals Bryonia.

Valeriana officinalis (Valer.)

Common name: Valerian

Valeriana officinalis is one of the most suitable homeopathic medicines for plantar fasciitis, where the pain gets better by walking. Valeriana is indicated in those who feel their feet heavy. Heel pain – plantar fasciitis that worsens on standing, sitting, or resting on the floor calls for Valeriana.

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Causes for heel pain – plantar fasciitis

Overuse

Plantar fasciitis develops due to overstretching or overuse of plantar fascia. Even a tiny tear in this fascia can cause pain.

Foot structure

Your foot structure can also be a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis. Structural foot problems include flat feet or high arches.

Gender

Active men and women are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. Women are more predisposed to plantar fasciitis than men.

Pregnancy

Plantar fasciitis is commonly seen in pregnant women, especially in the later stages.

Obesity

Being obese or overweight puts you at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis. This is because excess pressure is put over your plantar fascia when you gain weight suddenly.

Profession

If you are in a profession that requires you to be on your feet for a long duration, it puts you at higher risk. It includes a long-distance runner, serving in a restaurant, or working in a factory.

Tight Achilles tendons

Having stiff Achilles tendons and connecting your calf muscles to the back of your heels can be another risk factor for plantar fasciitis.

Footwear

Wearing footwear with little arch support and soft soles can also be responsible for plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of heel pain – plantar fasciitis

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain at the bottom of the heel or the bottom midfoot area. It typically affects one foot, although it might affect both. Plantar fasciitis pain develops gradually over time. Pain can be dull, sharp, burning, or aching. Often, this kind of pain extends from the heel to outward.

Pain worsens in the morning while taking the first step out of bed. This can happen even when you stand from sitting or lying down. The heel stiffness with pain makes stair climbing difficult. Another characteristic symptom of plantar fasciitis is it flares up after prolonged activity due to increased irritation or inflammation. Thus, pain is not felt during the activity but starts soon after stopping it.

Treatment for heel pain – plantar fasciitis

There are several treatment options available for heel pain – plantar fasciitis. The following are the most common treatment  options for plantar fasciitis:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

OTC medicines like NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroids injections

Corticosteroids are painkillers that reduce inflammation. A corticosteroid is injected into your plantar fascia to reduce inflammation.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Injuries are typically treated and repaired using PRP injections.

Physiotherapy

Your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can be stretched and strengthened with specific exercises. It will increase the stability of your ankle and heel.

Percutaneous needle tenotomy

During this procedure, a needle is inserted into your plantar fascia via your skin. The area receives more blood than usual from your body, boosting the healing process in the plantar fascia.

Gastrocnemius recession

During this procedure, a surgeon will stretch your calf muscles to relieve strain on your plantar fascia.

Plantar fascial release

Tiny incisions (cuts) are made on your plantar fascia to relieve some of the additional stress.

Night splints

Put on night splints before bed to stretch your foot and leg.

Massage

Your doctor might show some calf and foot muscle massage methods for pain relief.

Diet and lifestyle changes for heel pain – plantar fasciitis

Some lifestyle changes can make a major difference in plantar fasciitis. Here are some tips to try.

Wearing sturdy footwear

Put on a pair of supportive, well-cushioned shoes to prevent pressure on your heels. Avoid wearing flip-flops, sandals, and other flat shoes without a built-in arch support.

Rest

Refrain from engaging in the sport or physical activity that led to the plantar fasciitis till the pain subsides.

Icing

Cover a frozen bottle in a thin towel to protect your skin. Then, roll a frozen water bottle around the bottom of your foot to massage the swelling.

Toe exercise

While sitting in a chair, extend the affected leg until the heel is on the ground. Pull your big toe up and back with your hand. Pull away from the floor and towards your ankle.

Towel stretch

Holding the towel at both ends, place a rolled towel under the ball of your foot. Keep your knee straight and gently pull the towel in your direction. For 15 to 30 seconds, maintain this posture.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition in which swollen fascia makes walking painful. It happens due to excess pressure, strain, or injury. Taking OTC or applying a heating pad will not resolve its root cause. Homeopathy can speed up the healing process considerably.

Choose homeopathy for your plantar fasciitis and walk without any pain.

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