Q: Have you heard of a natural herb that can help the inflammation and pain of plantar fasciitis? I am doing everything – stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, massage with a frozen water bottle — and I just got a night splint. I’ve had this for about four months. I would appreciate if you are aware of a natural herb to help break up the inflammation.
A: I wrote about plantar fasciitis a very short time ago but will cover it again to help you. This condition causes pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Symptoms are most often more pronounced in the morning when a person attempts to take steps after getting up. Once the foot is walked on, it limbers up and the pain subsides; however, situations such as standing for extended periods of time or standing following being seated can ratchet the pain level back up again. Those most susceptible are runners, individuals who are overweight, and people of all ages that wear shoes without adequate support. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is repeated tearing and stretching of the fascia that causes it to become inflamed and irritated. While the pain can appear in both feet simultaneously, it is more frequently observed in one foot only.
Risk factors for the condition include participating in specific forms of exercise that place stress on the heel such as from dance aerobics, ballet dancing and long-distance running; work-related standing for extended periods of time; age, with most individuals affected being between the ages of 40 and 60; and poorly-fitting shoes that lack adequate arch support to absorb the shock we place on our feet when we stand, walk or run for extended periods of time.
Diagnosis is accomplished through examination of the foot or feet, identifying the location of the pain and inflammation, checking for muscle tone, strength, and balance. A physician may choose to order an MRI to rule out such issues as a stress fracture or a pinched nerve, or an X-ray that will confirm or rule out a heel spur or other abnormality.
On the home front, the inflammation should ease up if you stay off your feet as much as possible, elevate your feet when the pain is severe, and wearing arch supports in your shoes. You are already doing the balance of what is recommended.
The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that treatment methods are often successful; however, it may take months before the condition improves. Such products and herbs purported to help include willow, ginger, horsetail, milk thistle extract, stinging nettle, bromelain, calendula, meadowsweet, turmeric, feverfew and autumn crocus. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems that is commonly used in treating inflammation and muscle soreness following heavy exercise and specific inflammatory conditions. Feverfew reduces prostaglandin levels. Meadowsweet is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. While not herb, over-the-counter NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products may also be of assistance, as will green tea because it has flavonoids that are anti-inflammatory.
Have patience if you choose the herbal route. I’d be interested to know the outcome so keep me posted.
