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Contents
  • Stretching Exercises
  • Strengthening and Physical Therapy
  • Alternative Therapies

Effective Therapies for Plantar Fasciitis: What Actually Works?

Effective Therapies for Plantar Fasciitis: What Actually Works?

Therapy Options

Navigating the many therapies for plantar fasciitis can be overwhelming. Here’s a look at what treatments are most effective according to the latest research.
Contents
  • Stretching Exercises
  • Strengthening and Physical Therapy
  • Alternative Therapies

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises can be beneficial for alleviating plantar fasciitis symptoms. Exercises focused on the plantar fascia and calf muscles, such as toe towel curls and unilateral heel raises, can help improve flexibility and reduce pain.

Strengthening and Physical Therapy

Strengthening exercises and physical therapy can provide relief and prevent recurrence. These therapies focus on building strength in the foot and ankle, thereby improving support for the plantar fascia and reducing strain.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Effective treatments include stretching exercises and physical therapy.

Alternative Therapies

Some patients explore alternative therapies like laser therapy or electric dry needling. While these can offer temporary relief, effectiveness varies, and they are best used alongside conventional treatments like stretching and strengthening.

FAQs

What are beneficial exercises?

Toe towel curls and unilateral heel raises can help reduce symptoms.

Is physical therapy effective?

Yes, it strengthens the foot and reduces strain on the plantar fascia.

Do alternative therapies work?

They can offer temporary relief but should be combined with traditional treatments.

Choosing the Right Therapy

Combining therapies tailored to your needs often yields the best results.
Try it out: Consult Doctronic to find the most effective therapy for your plantar fasciitis.
Additional References
  1. Rathleff MS, Mølgaard CM, Fredberg U, et al. High-load strength training improves outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 25:e292.
  2. DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, et al. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2003; 85-A:1270.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.