What can I rub on plantar fasciitis?

Author: Otilia Price III  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Applying ice to the injured tissue, massaging the area, or using a combination of both approaches 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes at a time can help to treat plantar fasciitis. Rolling the bottom of your foot on a plastic ball covered in soft spikes is an easy form of massage your doctor may recommend.

What can I rub on my foot for plantar fasciitis?

Rubbing Mustard Oil on Your Feet

Massage is often recommended to temporarily relieve plantar fasciitis pain, but some people claim that using warm mustard oil makes your massage even more effective.

What topical cream is good for plantar fasciitis?

Topical creams: Anti-inflammatory creams and gels that you can rub directly on your feet, such as Voltaren (diclofenac sodium), may offer short-term pain relief.

What is the fastest way to heal plantar fasciitis?

Stretching and Physical Therapy

Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Stretching should be focused on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. A physical therapist can show you stretching exercises that you can repeat at home several times a day.

Is it good to rub plantar fasciitis?

The Benefits of Massage for Plantar Fasciitis

Pain Relief: Massaging the plantar fascia can provide immediate relief from inflammation and pain. The massage therapist uses hands-on techniques to work on the thick band of the fascia, alleviating the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Instant Foot Pain Relief! 5 Exercises To Fix Your Plantar Fasciitis

What soothes plantar fasciitis?

To reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, try these self-care tips:
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
  • Choose supportive shoes. ...
  • Don't wear worn-out athletic shoes. ...
  • Change your sport. ...
  • Apply ice. ...
  • Stretch your arches.

What not to do with plantar fasciitis?

High impact activities that involve running and jumping should be avoided if you have Plantar Fasciitis. Not only do they place your feet and ankles under stress but if you don't warm up properly you can develop muscle tightness and stress injuries.

Can barely walk plantar fasciitis?

First Things First: When You Can't Walk Because of Plantar Fasciitis. If you cannot walk due to the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, the first step is to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider. They can accurately diagnose your condition and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.

What is commonly mistaken for plantar fasciitis?

While it is a prevalent foot condition, it's crucial to recognise that several other conditions can mimic its symptoms. These include heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and bursitis.

What is the root cause of plantar fasciitis?

What causes plantar fasciitis? The main cause of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Peden says, is having tightness in your gastrocnemius, one of two major muscles in your calf. Tight calf muscles make it hard to flex your foot and bring the toes up toward your shin.

Does Voltaren cream work on plantar fasciitis?

Best medicated cream: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Medicated Gel

Plantar fasciitis microtears cause inflammation, so naturally, anti-inflammatories (such as NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen) can help reduce the pain.

What can be used overnight to treat plantar fasciitis?

Night splints

Plantar fasciitis is often worse in the morning because most people sleep with their feet pointed down, which shortens the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. A night splint keeps the foot at a 90-degree angle and provides a constant stretch while you sleep.

Is Biofreeze good for plantar fasciitis?

If your patient needs fast, temporary pain relief, suggest that they use Biofreeze in addition to the exercises above. The gallon jug is perfect for your busy clinic while smaller bottles and sprays can be used by your patients at home.

Does drinking water help plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel bone and toes. Drinking water can help manage plantar fasciitis-related inflammation and pain.

Does icy hot help plantar fasciitis?

Ice won't cure plantar fasciitis, but it can provide temporary pain relief. Stay away from warm or hot water soaks as these can increase inflammation and make the condition worse. Do find other ways to exercise and stay healthy. If you are a runner, consider changing to an elliptical or bicycle until you heal.

What is the best natural remedy for plantar fasciitis pain?

To treat plantar fasciitis yourself, do stretching exercises for the plantar fascia several times a day, ice your foot, take NSAIDs, rest your foot, wear orthotics to support your heel and arch, and decrease the amount or length of activities that cause you pain such as walking or running.

How to heal plantar fasciitis quickly?

Your best bet to healing plantar fasciitis quickly is to rest as much as possible from vigorous exercises and long hours of standing, wear high quality orthotic inserts, begin a daily stretching routine, and visit your podiatrist sooner rather than later.

What else could it be if it's not plantar fasciitis?

There are actually many different causes of heel pain including but not limited to: plantar fasciitis, insertional Achilles tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy, fat pad atrophy, stress fracture in the heel, tarsal tunnel syndrome and bone tumor.

Is it OK to keep walking with plantar fasciitis?

If you continue to walk, run, and exercise with an inflamed plantar fascia, you will worsen micro-tears and increase your pain. Consult with your physical therapist to see if you should limit walking with plantar fasciitis. Prompt treatment can help you avoid more complex and costly interventions down the road.

What happens if you ignore plantar fasciitis?

Consequences of Untreated Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation and tension on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the fascia over time. Your pain will gradually worsen as a result, and if left untreated, these tears could multiply and enlarge, making the plantar fascia more prone to rupture and disablement.

Do compression socks help with plantar fasciitis?

So then how are plantar fasciitis socks giving people relief? At a glance, they are offering some pain relief due to their compression. Now, your sports podiatrist would tell you that compression is widely accepted as an effective way to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Which vitamin is good for plantar fasciitis?

By consuming vitamin C with bioflavonoids, you will be directly addressing the inflammation present in Plantar Fasciitis. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, green peppers, melons, kiwis, strawberries, alfalfa sprouts, and the skins of potatoes.

Are Crocs ok for plantar fasciitis?

Comfort and cushioning

This material absorbs shock and reduces pressure on the feet, making Crocs suitable for patients with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. The cushioning helps reduce pain by evenly distributing pressure across the foot.

Is it bad to rub plantar fasciitis?

Risks and precautions. There are very few risks associated with plantar fasciitis massage when done correctly. However, if a person massages aggressively when the fascia is inflamed, the sole of the foot can become sensitive.

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