The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, not for being bogged down by foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is an extremely uncomfortable condition that accounts for approximately one million doctor visits yearly in the US alone. 

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue extending from the bottom of the foot up to the toes. It serves as a support for the arches and shock absorption. Swelling or inflammation of this tissue is called plantar fasciitis, which causes immense pain in the heels and arches. Here are a few tips for managing plantar fasciitis for a pain-free holiday season:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

A great way to manage pain from plantar fasciitis is to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can place additional pressure and stress on your feet, causing increased pain in the arches and heels. 

Wear Comfortable, Supportive Shoes

For those with plantar fasciitis, good shoes are a must. You should avoid wearing flats, sandals or other shoes that lack arch support. Instead, opt for comfortable, supportive shoes with a thick sole, nice cushion and good arch support. Consider buying orthotic inserts that provide additional support and take the pressure off your heels.

Try Low Impact Exercises

Low-impact exercises are essential to reducing heel and arch pain. Avoid workouts that put excess pressure on your feet, like jogging or running. Instead, try something less strenuous, such as swimming or bicycling. 

Ice Regularly

Since plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue in the foot, it’s important to take steps to reduce swelling, like icing regularly. Place an ice pack on the painful areas of your foot for 15-20 minutes two to three times a day. You can even give yourself a brief ice-massage by rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot for a few minutes. This stretches the arches and helps with swelling.

Get Treatment

The best way to manage heel and arch pain is to get treatment. At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we can help you treat pain from plantar fasciitis through various therapies, including Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. We will also teach you different exercises to help stretch your feet. With proper medical treatment, you’ll be on your way to better foot health – no surgery needed!

At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we prioritize your comfort and foot health. Managing pain from plantar fasciitis is possible with the right care and guidance. Using these tips and working closely with our board-certified team, you can take significant steps towards minimizing discomfort from plantar fasciitis and enjoy a pain-free holiday season. Get started with us by calling us at 214-574-9255 or scheduling your appointment online today!