How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Naturally

Learn tips for relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms without drugs or surgery

There are ways to naturally manage plantar fasciitis and eliminate pain without medications. They include:

• Proper Footwear
• Foot Archband Supports
• Stretching Exercises
• Massage

Proper Footwear

Limit use of high-heels and buy shoes that offer adequate arch support. Those funny-looking shoes called Crocs can be very helpful in providing relief. Their design allows for plenty of room in the toe area, a built-in support for the heel, and a rear strap that helps hold the shoe on. They are also extremely comfortable, making them a real godsend for those hobbled by the pain of plantar fasciitis. The company offers several styles, but the best one for foot problems seems to be the "beach" model.

Back to Top

Foot Archband Supports

Another strategy for treating plantar fasciitis naturally is Foot Arch Band Supports (FABS)—small, lightweight arch support pads on a thin band that wraps around the foot and is held in place with a Velcro strip. One size fits all, so they don’t require any customization. They’re small enough that they can be worn with most shoes, including sandals. FABS are fairly inexpensive, running about $30 a pair at Dr. Roth's Footcare Products. The company also offers another product called MAGFABS, which have a magnet embedded in each arch support for additional pain relief.

Back to Top

Stretching Exercises

Tightness of the Achilles tendons and calf muscles can contribute to plantar fasciitis pain by keeping the plantar fascia in a constantly tense state. Regular stretching can help loosen things up. Here are a few exercises you can use.

• If you have pain when you first hit the floor in the morning, stretch before you get out of bed. Sitting up in bed, hold onto your flexed feet and gently pull them toward you until you can feel a good stretch in your Achilles tendons and calves. Hold for 30 seconds, relax, and repeat two more times. If you can’t comfortably reach your feet, place your foot in a hand towel and pull on both ends.
• Stand on a bottom stair, with shoes on (preferably sneakers), facing upstairs and holding onto the rail. Keeping your toes and the balls of your feet on the edge of the stair, lean forward a bit and slowly drop your heels toward the floor below. Hold for 30 seconds, then relax. Do three repetitions twice daily.
• To stretch out the plantar fascia more directly, rub your bare or stocking feet over an unopened 12-ounce can or a golf ball. Do this for about three minutes a couple of times a day, using as much pressure as feels comfortable.

Back to Top

Massage

Foot massage, either manual or with an electric massager, also helps release tension in the plantar fascia.

Back to Top

More Dr. Williams Advice on Plantar Fasciitis

• What causes plantar fasciitis?
• The risks of traditional medical treatments for plantar fasciitis