One of my friends who play soccer called me and told me that he is having a hard time with his feet lately. I asked him to describe more about his complaints to which he explained further that while he was playing soccer, he kicked someone with the foot when trying to hit the soccer ball, and, as they both hit each other, for the rest of the day he was not able to walk on his foot. He had to step on the heel. His pain used to turn worse after stretching, and he was reluctant to get out of bed in the morning as he feared pain that would worsen on touching the ground with the foot and on standing. His pain was so severe that he stopped playing and was not able to do his daily activities too. He mentioned that he was 34 years old, but the pain was making him feel like he was 64 years old. Day by day his condition was debilitating, and the pain was miserable. He said he can’t imagine going through this pain for the whole of his life in this way.
The condition which affected him was ‘PLANTAR FASCITIS’. After listening to his case history, there were two differential diagnoses in my mind first was Plantar fascitis and the other one was calcanean spur, as the symptoms are so similar in both conditions. So, to rule out the Calcanean spur, I advised him to get his X-ray done. X-ray ruled out the possibility of Calcanean spur and, based on history, I prescribed him Homeopathic medicine. And, after having homeopathic treatment, he is much better now.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the band of tissues in the foot that supports the foot arch and connects to the heel. Typically, patients with this condition suffer from a sharp shooting pain which generally turns worse in the morning or right after walking.
Plantar fasciitis can happen spontaneously without a specific injury, but one has an increased risk if you are middle-aged, your work requirement demands to stand and walking for a long time on hard surfaces, and if you are a runner or in sports.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
- Heel pain during the first steps in the morning.
- Pain near the heel, at the bottom of the foot, and at the area in front of the heel bone where the greatest tenderness occurs
- Increased pain at the start of exercise and when resuming activity
- Pain and discomfort are severe in the morning
- Discomfort alleviates after having rest
- Symptoms worsen after carrying a weight
- Heel swells and turns stiff
- The limited upward mobility of the ankle
- Pain worsens when one flexes the foot
Error: Contact form not found.
Conventional Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis:
Conventionally, plantar fasciitis is treated by using analgesics and other measures, such as stretching exercises, rest, ice packs, corticosteroid injections, custom orthotics, night splints, or even surgery.
Homeopathy for Plantar Fasciitis:
The approach of Homeopathic treatment for Plantar fasciitis is quite identical to that of arthritis or some other chronic issue related to the joint, muscle, or connective tissues. The aim is to reduce the pain, swelling, and stiffness to slow down the progress of the disease and to reduce the need to take conventional medicines. We all are aware of the side effects of NSAIDs. If you don’t, make sure that you do before taking NSAIDs. Analgesics give temporary relief and are habit-forming. Homeopathy offers pain relief in the inflamed fascia without any side effects.
It is important to gradually reduce the dependency on painkillers and conventional medicines by starting with calcaneal spur treatment in homeopathy. There are many focused solutions with calcaneal spur homeopathic medicine which works as an anti-inflammatory to ease the pain.
A few Homeopathic medicines which are commonly indicated in Plantar fasciitis are listed below.
- Arnica Montana:
It is one the best remedies for pain in the foot arising from fall, blow, contusions, or from injuries and is used after traumatic injuries, overuse of the organ, and strains. It is known as the muscular tonic, which helps to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness. When you suffer from foot pain which makes you feel as if beaten, makes you experience dislocated feeling, and you feel the bed too hard and search for a soft place, Arnica Montana is recommended. Oversensitivity and the fear of being approached by people as there is a fear of touch due to great soreness indicate this homeopathic remedy.
- Rhus Toxicodendron:
It is one of the best homeopathic remedies which have its main action is on the musculoskeletal system, and it acts on fibrous tissues. When the pain is worse at the start of a movement, the first motion aggravates, and then gradually settles down after continuous motion, Rhus Toxicodendron is indicated. When the complaints start due to overstretching, strains, over-lifting, and turn worse from the cold air, this remedy is indicated. When you experience a sensation as if limbs are paralyzed, Rhus Toxicodendron is indicated.
- Ruta:
Ruta acts on periosteum and cartilages. When the complaints particularly start after straining the flexor tendons, Ruta is indicated. When the patient complains of aching in Achilles tendon with sore bruised feeling in the tendons accompanied by great weakness, lassitude, and despair of recovery, Ruta is recommended. When there is great restlessness with pain and the pain turns worse on rest so the patient prefers to be in the movement which relieves you of the pain, Ruta is indicated.
- Bellis perennis:
Bellis perennis is indicated for plantar fasciitis because of mechanical injuries to the deeper tissues. When you experience immense muscular soreness, lameness as if sprained, and feet feeling contracted as if the joint is surrounded by an elastic band, this homeopathic remedy is recommended. It is indicated in the injuries to nerves causing intense soreness and intolerance to the cold. It is one of the excellent remedies for sprains and bruises.
- Hypericum:
It is highly effective in treating injuries to nerves, particularly to fingers, toes, and nails. When there are cramps and spasms in the foot post-injury, Hypericum helps to reduce the inflammation in the foot.
Self-Care Tips:
- Avoid using high-heel shoes and a V-shaped toe box. Wear zero-drops, barefoot-like shoes that strengthen the arch-building muscles of the feet.
- Take time to work on your feet. Exercise helps in a faster recovery.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Change your sport.
- Take proper rest, and avoid standing for a long time.
Many patients ask us, “Can one get rid of Plantar Fasciitis permanently, or does it always come back?”. This concern reflects the chronic and often frustrating nature of plantar fasciitis. However, with a comprehensive approach that integrates homeopathic treatment, proper self-care practices, targeted exercises, and attention to footwear, individuals can indeed achieve extended periods of relief and even permanent resolution of their symptoms.
Homeopathy takes a whole-person approach to treating plantar fasciitis by targeting the root imbalances in the body causing the condition. By selecting remedies based on each person’s unique symptom profile and overall health, homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote long-term wellness.
In conjunction with homeopathic treatment, proper self-care practices are essential for managing plantar fasciitis effectively over the long term. This includes implementing targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle, improve flexibility, and correct biomechanical imbalances. Additionally, paying careful attention to footwear choices and utilizing orthotics or supportive inserts can help alleviate strain on the plantar fascia and reduce the risk of exacerbating symptoms.
It’s important to recognize that plantar fasciitis can be a stubborn and insidious condition that may require patience and persistence to overcome fully. The healing process can be gradual, and individuals may experience periods of improvement followed by setbacks along the way. However, with a dedicated commitment to holistic treatment like homeopathy, many patients find that their symptoms gradually diminish, and they are able to achieve sustained relief over time.
For those who have been grappling with plantar fasciitis for an extended period, explore the benefits of homeopathic treatment for plantar fasciitis which can offer renewed hope and a sense of empowerment. By addressing the root causes of the condition and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, homeopathy provides a gentle and effective approach to managing plantar fasciitis without the risk of harmful side effects often associated with conventional medications.
In conclusion, while plantar fasciitis may present significant challenges, it is possible to achieve permanent relief and long-term remission through a combination of homeopathic treatment, self-care practices, and lifestyle modifications. By taking a proactive approach to holistic healing and working closely with qualified Homeopathic doctor, individuals can regain control of their health and experience lasting freedom from the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis. If you’ve been struggling with this condition for an extended period, consider exploring the benefits of homeopathy as a gentle and sustainable solution for achieving lasting relief and improved quality of life.
