What Not to Do With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition that affects the quality of your daily life. It can prevent you from doing the things you love, like running, hiking, or even just walking comfortably. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for plantar fasciitis, and many people fall into the trap of ineffective treatments that only provide short-term relief. In this article, we will discuss what not to do when dealing with plantar fasciitis, so you can avoid wasting your time and get on track to long-term relief.

Complete rest

People with plantar fasciitis are often advised to rest to relieve their symptoms. However, this is not a long-term solution. Many people completely limit their activity until their symptoms improve, but the symptoms often return as soon as they start increasing their activity again. To break out of this cycle you need to perform exercises that increase the capacity of the plantar fascia, making it more resistant to pain. I've already written an article that covers the 7 most important exercises for plantar fasciitis.

Ice and anti-inflammatory medication

Current research indicates that inflammation is not the primary cause of plantar fasciitis. Therefore, icing and anti-inflammatory medication are not the recommended treatments. If you find that they help you, it is fine to use them, but they should not be the main focus of your rehabilitation if you want long-term relief.

Not considering your weight

Research shows that the most common risk factor for plantar fasciitis is a high body mass index. Pregnant women may also experience symptoms due to increased weight. Increased weight leads to increased load on the plantar fascia and if you're overweight, it might be affecting your symptoms. I recommend weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for anyone who suspects their weight might be affecting their condition.

Only considering passive treatment

Manual therapy, shockwave therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery are often recommended for plantar fasciitis. These treatments can help some people, and if you have used any of them with positive results, there's nothing wrong with that. However, active rehabilitation has been shown to be the most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. Passive treatments are easier because they don't require effort, but treating plantar fasciitis will require effort for most people. If you want long-term relief, we recommend that you start a rehabilitation program as soon as you can.

Magic bullet solutions

If you come across anyone who promises a quick and easy cure for plantar fasciitis, be cautious. Treating this condition effectively takes time and dedication. Active rehabilitation is the best option, and while it does require effort, it is the most effective way to achieve long-term relief. Don't waste your time and money on magic bullet solutions, as they are unlikely to provide the results you're looking for.

Getting discouraged

Plantar fasciitis treatment is not easy, and it can be discouraging to deal with. It is one of the most challenging musculoskeletal conditions to manage. However, we believe that anyone who is willing to put in the effort can find relief with the right information. If you're ready to start a personalized rehabilitation program for plantar fasciitis, download the Euneo app today to get started.