A Busy Person’s Guide to Plantar Fasciitis

Calf Stretching

Tight calf muscles can add additional stress on the plantar fascia by prematurely lifting the heel. Therefore, regular stretching of the two primary calf muscles: gastrocnemius and soleus can help to relieve tension and pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

It is easy to incorporate these stretches into daily tasks such as brushing your teeth, waiting for the bus or standing in line.

READ MORE: How To Stretch & Strengthen Calves

Recommendation:
30-to-60 seconds for each muscle (per leg, 4 minutes total)

Goal:
Stretch 3 – 5 times per day

Foot & Toe Stretches

Here are three exercises you can do to stretch the plantar fascia while either working at your desk or watching TV.

1. Ankle rotations clockwise and counterclockwise.
2. Point toes to your nose, relax and repeat.
3. Pull toes back with one hand while massaging through the arch with the other hand.

Recommendations:
Spend 10 – 30 seconds on each stretch per foot (3 minutes total)

Goal:
At least 3 – 5 times per day

Ice

A frozen water bottle or reusable gel ice pack is a great way to relieve pain at the end of a long day on your feet.

Pro-Tip: Keep a few frozen water bottles handy to use after an activity or work. While sitting on the couch, at your desk or eating a meal at the table, soothe your foot by applying ice under the arch with a frozen water bottle. Gel ice packs can also be used by wrapping it around your foot with a tensor bandage for about 5 – 10 minutes.

Remember when using an ice pack, to always protect your skin with a layer of clothing or dish towel to prevent an ice burn.

Home Footwear

Using supportive sandals with arch support and thick sole (Birkenstocks, Sole Sandals, and Montrail Sandals) around the house is a great way for busy people to obtain relief from plantar fasciitis pain and prevent further deterioration. For anyone who is busy, these are great plantar fasciitis home remedies.

Pro-Tip: Supportive home footwear should be the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off before bed. Remember to take your supportive home footwear with you on extended visits or trips.

Custom Orthotics/Over-The-Counter Insoles

For many, custom orthotics or OTC insoles can be helpful plantar fasciitis home remedies. It is perfect for busy individuals because all you need to do is put them in your shoes and carry on with your day.

READ MORE: The difference between custom orthotics and OTC insoles

Remember that consistency is key when it comes to orthotics or insoles: the more you wear them, the more effective they will be.

Pro-Tip: If switching orthotics or insoles between shoes is an inconvenience, then consider investing in multiple pairs. The same tip applies if you tend to forget to move between shoes.

They only help and support your feet while you are using them. Just like how wearing eyeglasses support your vision only when wearing your glasses.

Over-The-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Cream

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory cream can be an effective way to temporarily relieve muscle pain.

Although this is not a permanent solution, it can be soothing to apply to an inflamed area such as your arch and heel if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.

Pro-Tip: Keep a bottle of over-the-counter joint and muscle cream at work, at home, in your car, or anywhere you are regularly. This makes it easy to use as needed. There are also brands with an application stick to keep your hands free of mess.

Night Splints

Night splints are another passive form of plantar fasciitis home remedies for busy people. The best part is that you can do while you are sleeping. The perfect solution for people constantly on the go!

The first time you wear it to bed put it on and try your best to fall asleep. If it wakes you up in the middle of the night, just remove it and fall back asleep. Repeat this every night and you will gradually build a higher tolerance for the splint.

Even if despite all your efforts you can’t sleep with a night splint, by even wearing it for a few hours, you still get the benefit of extra stretching that you wouldn’t otherwise have.

Pro-Tip: To get used to wearing a night splint, try wearing it for 30 – 60 minutes at a time at home while relaxing in front of the T.V. or reading a book.

Talk To A Specialist About Plantar Fasciitis Home Remedies

While trying out plantar fasciitis home remedies, it’s always best to check with a foot care specialist. They can help guide you towards different treatment options.

Pedorthists at Kintec can answer your questions and help you recover. Book an appointment today!

Ermin Pagtakhan
Director Of Store Operations