Plantar fasciitis is irritation and swelling of your plantar fascia — a thick tissue located on the sole of your foot that helps form your principal foot arch. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that plantar fasciitis may develop if your plantar fascia is overstretched or overused. Certain herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your plantar fasciitis, although not all herbs may be appropriate for you or your condition. Talk with your doctor about herbs before using these natural substances.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, also known as heel pain, is a common health complaint. Heel pain, notes the National Health Service of the U.K., affects about 10 percent of people at some point in their lives. Two populations are particularly susceptible to plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain, reports the NHS: people who frequently participate in running or jogging and adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The use of conventional footwear — especially footwear that possesses toe-spring, heel elevation and tapered toe-boxes — may be a significant contributing factor in this condition.
Helpful Herbal Remedies
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that conservative treatment methods are often successful in treating plantar fasciitis, although it may take several months to resolve your condition. Herbs that possess anti-inflammatory action may be particularly helpful in treating this condition. Naturopathic physician and herbalist William A. Mitchell Jr., author of “Plant Medicine in Practice,” states that the following herbs possess anti-inflammatory action: willow, autumn crocus, milk thistle extract, stinging nettle, licorice, bromelain, turmeric and feverfew.
Highlighted Botanical
Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems, is frequently prescribed for plantar fasciitis and other musculoskeletal conditions. MedlinePlus states that bromelain is commonly used in treating swelling and inflammation, which may occur following injury or surgery. Bromelain is also commonly used in treating muscle soreness following heavy exercise and certain inflammatory conditions. Its anti-inflammatory action, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is thought to be associated with its ability to activate and expand a certain type of lymphocyte — an immune system cell — in your body.
Considerations
Complications associated with plantar fasciitis are rare, although complications associated with plantar fasciitis surgery — a relatively common treatment method for this problem among allopathic physicians and podiatrists — include infection, nerve injury and rupture of your plantar fascia. No treatment method is 100 percent effective for this condition, including surgery and herbs, and you may experience continued plantar fascia pain or discomfort even following these treatments. Speak with your doctor about the effectiveness and safety of herbal remedies in treating this condition.