Plantar fasciitis is generally caused by the overuse or overstretching of the plantar fascia which is a thick connective tissue on the sole of the foot. This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes and forms the arch of the foot. Overuse or undue stress on the tissue causes it to become inflamed and painful as a result of which walking becomes difficult and very painful especially when you take the first steps in the morning after you wake up or after being inactive for a long period.
The heel feels tender and the slightest pressure sends shooting pains in the whole foot. Care should be taken that you do not climb stairs or stand or sit for long periods which further aggravates the condition. Athletes, joggers and people who use their legs strenuously are more liable to suffer from this condition. It should be treated right away to prevent the pain from affecting the knees too.
Best Home Remedies For Plantar Fasciitis
Mustard Oil
A massage with mustard oil will work wonders for the pain and tenderness. Mustard oil is rich in valuable nutrients and particularly in magnesium which is very crucial for the health of the muscles and the tissues. It relieves the swelling instantly and brings considerable relief in the pain.Massage your whole foot with some warm mustard oil to which a little camphor has been added. Massage two or three times daily and continue doing so for a month even after the pain has gone away. The additional massage will strengthen the muscles and tissues and keep them in good health.
Turmeric
Turmeric has powerful pain relieving properties. It is a superb remedy for plantar fasciitis as it has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which alleviate the swelling and reduce the pain quickly. Make a paste with turmeric powder and some chuna. Cover your foot and heel with this paste and bind it with a bandage. Before going to bed apply a fresh coating of the paste. The irritated tissue will be healed within no time.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has great pain relieving properties. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties soothe the plantar fascia and reduce the swelling and pain. Take a fresh leaf of aloe vera and skin it to remove the gel. Take a pan and put it on the heat. Add the gel and one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix well for one minute then turn off the heat. Apply the hot mixture on the heel, ankle and arch and let it dry. Then bind your foot with a clean and soft cotton strip. Do this twice daily, for rapid healing.
Exercise
Exercise is the best way to nurse the inflamed plantar fascia back to its normal condition. Sit on a mat with your back straight and your feet stretched in front of you. Without lifting your knees and with your heels firmly planted on the mat, move your toes forwards and backwards. Keep doing this, for ten minutes. Do this exercise twice daily to remove the stiffness and the pain.
Ginger
Ginger has great anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Drink ginger tea, three or four times daily to remove the pain and swelling.
