It’s estimated that about 1 out of every 10 people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the plantar fascia band located in the heel of the foot. The plantar fascia runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot.
Some people believe that using Epsom salts may be a helpful treatment for their pain. If you have plantar fasciitis or suspect you may have this condition, keep reading for information on the symptoms, causes, treatments, and whether Epsom salts are a good option for managing this condition.
What are some of the causes of plantar fasciitis?
- Flat feet — If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis and you have flat feet, your flat feet may have contributed to your condition. Those who have flat feet often develop plantar fasciitis because of overpronation. This means that the feet begin to fall inward.
- Excessive weight — Excessive weight is another cause of plantar fasciitis. It can place stress on the plantar fascia band and ultimately cause inflammation.
- Standing on your feet for long periods of time — If you are someone who stands on their feet all day or walks around for long periods of time, like a restaurant worker or a teacher, you’re more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
- Unsupportive footwear — Frequently wearing unsupportive footwear, like flip-flops, can place strain on your plantar fascia and cause inflammation and overpronation.
What are some of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel.
- Intense pain in the morning.
- Swelling in the foot or heel.
- Stiffness in the foot or Achilles tendon.
Do Epsom salts actually do anything to help plantar fasciitis?
Epsom salt baths or soaks have long been recommended as an at-home treatment method for a variety of ailments. Some people even swear by them! People who have plantar fasciitis will sometimes use Epsom salt soaks to treat their symptoms. Some studies have shown that the main ingredient in Epsom salts, magnesium, has the potential to reduce pain. However, there is not enough support to definitively say that Epsom salt baths can manage the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Despite the lack of scientific support for Epsom salts, you’re welcome to try it out for yourself and see how it goes!
What are some other methods that you can use to treat plantar fasciitis?
- Physical therapy — Physical therapy is often an effective treatment method for those dealing with plantar fasciitis. If you find that Epsom salts don’t help your plantar fasciitis, physical therapy will likely work better for you. A physical therapy specialist will help you come up with a customized treatment plan to address your pain and stiffness so that you can get back to moving the way you want to.
- Orthotic devices — If you haven’t already done so, getting shoe orthotic inserts or supportive shoes can help provide support and pain relief to your feet. Since unsupportive shoes can cause stress on the band in the foot, wearing better shoes may be able to help your condition.
- Pain medication — Pain medication may not help your condition in the long term, but if you find that Epsom salt baths don’t help relieve pain from your plantar fasciitis, it can help reduce your pain. It’s a short-term solution but may make intense flare-ups feel a little better.
Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness is ready to help you manage your foot pain from plantar fasciitis
Our team at Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness can offer you a physical therapy experience that is catered to you. We value our patients so much that we strive to provide each one with a personalized treatment plan that adapts to their individual lifestyles, habits and future goals. If you’re wondering why your plantar fascia is feeling painful and Epsom salt soaks aren’t working for you, we can guide you through the treatment plan you need to effectively manage your condition. We will work with you toward the relief you’re looking for at any one of our several locations. We can help you get through your pain while improving your range of motion, so you can get back to doing the things you love.
During each of your physical therapy sessions, our physical therapists will navigate you through your treatment with compassion and care. We’re dedicated to determining that you are doing each one of your exercises and movements with precision for the best possible results. We can provide you with the tools you’ll need to manage your condition on your own, long after your sessions are over.
Are you ready to take the first step toward finding relief from your plantar fasciitis? Do you want to learn more about this condition and how we might go about treating it? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.