How is plantar fasciitis treated?
• Rest: Try to stay off your feet as much as possible while you have pain and inflammation. Resting your feet may decrease swelling and keep the fasciitis from getting worse. You may gradually increase the amount of weight you put on your foot when caregivers say it is OK. Do not return to running until you are pain-free and your caregiver says it is OK. • Ice: Ice causes blood vessels to constrict (get small) which helps decrease inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness). Use an ice bag, ice massage or ice bath. Do not go to sleep while icing your injured foot. Keeping your foot on ice longer than directed could lead to frostbite, especially to your toes. • To make an ice bag, put crushed ice in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen corn or peas. Cover it with a towel. Put this on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times each day. • To ice massage, fill a paper cup with water and freeze to make a large ice cube. Peel the paper away and put the ice cube on the injured area.
