Medications and Aids

Pain medications (analgesics) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used if required to help manage your plantar fasciitis pain. However, these medications will not cure your condition; they will merely treat some of your symptoms.

These drugs aren't recommended for everyone or for long term use, as pain medications can cause liver damage, and NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal difficulties (such as upset stomach, diarrhea, ulcers and intestinal bleeding). They can also trigger other serious side effects, and even inhibit the body's natural ability to heal itself. COX-2 Inhibitors (prescription NSAIDs like Celebrex, Bextra or Vioxx, block the COX-2 enzyme involved with prostaglandin production responsible for inflammation) have been linked with risks of heart attack, stroke and in some cases death. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers to withdraw some COX-2 Inhibitors (Vioxx and Bextra) from the market as well as put a big black warning label on the packaging outlining the risks

Cortisone/steroid injections may initially help reduce inflammation and swelling of your plantar fasciitis. However they are very controversial, as they can trigger a plantar fascia tear and can decrease the thickness of your plantar fat pad (this is influenced by the severity of injury and frequency of injections). Botox injections have also been used to relieve pain and tension. Ask your doctor if any of these are options for your condition. Corticosteroids should be used with caution and never in conjunction with ultrasound therapy.

Some health professionals have also recommended natural supplements such as Glucosamine, MSM, Chondritin, Capsaicin, Devil's Claw, or Yucca Leaf to help relieve pain and/or strengthen your tissues. Hyaluronic Acid (Hyalgan) injections have also had some success.

Corrective footwear, orthotics, or inserts provide arch support and help to align your muscles and bones so they work together. These will also help keep your foot in a more comfortable position and provide relief. They can be custom made with the help of a chiropodist, podiatrist, or a chiropractor. Or, if you prefer you can purchase general heel cups, pads or donut shaped inserts to help cushion and elevate your heel transferring pressure away from your plantar fascia.

Night splints prevent contraction and stretch your plantar fascia and calf while sleeping to help with pain; as do short leg walking casts during day activities.

An Plantar/Heel Spur/Gout Radiant Energy Therapy Device is one of the most helpful tools for a plantar fasciitis injury. Through the absorption of infrared thermal energy, tissues are safely and gently heated - increasing blood flow within the plantar fascia area. Your body's natural response to this increased temperature is to try to maintain a condition of homeostasis - a balanced environment or state of equilibrium throughout the body. To do this, your body responds with a rapid increase in blood flow to the area (this is known as vasodilation), increasing the supply of nutrients to injured cells and flushing out toxins (including lactic acid, commonly found in trigger points) to promote healing. Our Thermotex Carpal Tunnel / Plantar Pain Relief Device provides effective, non-invasive, non-addictive pain relief with no side effects.

Our Cold Compression Wraps are recommended as the best by the Mayo Clinic, several professional sports organizations, and countless medical professionals. That's why we sell them, because they are the best. We have noticed over time that our customers are so fond of our cold wraps that they are frequently coming back and ordering a second one - this way they can cool one while wearing the other. The wraps are becoming very popular with baseball and soccer trainers, and the wraps can be conveniently stored in a cooler for quick application on the field when needed.

Ultrasound Therapy is also a helpful tool for pain prevention of tendonitis, and having a portable ultrasound device at home can be a powerful and convenient treatment tool. If you have symptoms or are recovering from a tendon injury, using ultrasound on a regular basis before your activity or throughout the day will help relax your tendons and muscles, diminish pain and inflammation, soften scar tissue and contribute greatly to the healing of your injury.

If you suffer from mild inflammation or pain after certain activities or movements use ultrasound therapy when you complete the activity and then rest and elevate your leg. Limit the application of ultrasound to a couple of treatments per day (the manual will recommend treatment frequency depending upon the injury). In between ultrasound treatments, maximize your pain relief and injury recovery by using the Thermotex Personal Therapy System. Proven Performance, Proven Relief - only found at MendMeShop.com. If you have been given a treatment plan by your health professional, make sure you adhere to it to ensure pain free living. In general, people who are committed to their therapies and exercises will have the best medical outcomes.