How to Deal with Inflammation on the Bottom of the Feet?

The feet carry our entire body weight, and neglecting proper care can often lead to injuries such as plantar fasciitis, a common condition. When experiencing plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to give the feet sufficient rest, wear loose socks and soft shoes, and avoid activities like climbing stairs and brisk walking. If the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor for examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

1. Allow your affected foot to rest fully. During severe flare-ups, minimize foot movements, including walking and climbing stairs.

2. Your doctor may recommend oral anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and inflammation. For patients over 65, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should generally not be used for more than 7 days without medical advice. Applying an ice pack to the foot several times a day for a few minutes at a time can also be helpful.

3. Cushioning the foot can be achieved by wearing sneakers during work and using heel pads for added protection. Heel pads should be worn on both feet to ensure even distribution of pressure, which is particularly beneficial for overweight adults and the elderly.

4. For individuals with specific foot arch issues, custom-made orthotics or corrective shoes may be recommended. These devices are particularly helpful for patients with flat feet or high arches.

5. At night, wearing an ankle dorsiflexion brace can help stabilize the affected foot, slightly stretching the calf muscles and plantar fascia to prevent over-relaxation and subsequent fascia contraction, thus reducing morning pain.

6. Individualized physical therapy can help fully stretch the plantar fascia, strengthen calf muscles, and stabilize the ankle and heel. Sometimes, doctors may recommend using adhesive tape to support and stabilize the foot. Local corticosteroid injection is another treatment option for local anti-inflammatory effects.

1. Wearing high heels: Prolonged use of high heels, including Western-style boots, can cause contracture of the plantar fascia, a tissue layer resembling tendons in the feet. This can lead to pain when walking, especially first-step pain when getting out of bed.

2. Weight gain: An increase in body weight can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, especially when walking long distances or standing for extended periods in shallow, unsupported shoes. Excess weight can put pressure on the fatty tissue under the heel bone, causing damage and heel pain.

3. Increased walking, climbing stairs, and standing: Individuals who enjoy running or frequently change their exercise routine, increasing running distance and frequency, are also susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Running on uneven surfaces or wearing worn-out sneakers with inadequate heel support can also increase the risk.