Living with plantar fasciitis often feels uncomfortable. Finding that every foot movement is painful, especially when you're walking, can leave you with the feeling that you don't want to do anything at all. Knowing more about how to handle your condition and place yourself on a road to recovery may make life easier.

Support Your Arch

Receiving a plantar fasciitis diagnosis is the best time to ditch uncomfortable shoes and support your arch. Having a well-supported arch reduces the amount of pressure you place on your plantar fascia, which lessens the pain. If you're unsure whether you're wearing the right shoes, ask a podiatrist to assess your everyday footwear. To achieve more supportive shoes, schedule an appointment with a professional fitting service. 

Try Some Stretches

You may find that your pain is worse very first thing in the morning. This usually happens because you don't use your foot muscles while you sleep, resulting in them becoming stiff. Try performing some stretches that work your Achilles tendon and calf first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Doing so helps your plantar fascia become more supple and should reduce your pain.

Manage Your Weight

If you regularly experience plantar fasciitis, it's worth adopting some strategies that help you cope in the long term. One such strategy is weight loss if you're overweight or weight maintenance if your weight is healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight places less strain on your plantar fascia and the muscles that support it. As a result, you should find that you experience the condition less. If or when it arises again, you may find that your recovery is easier when you weigh less.

Try Wearing Orthotics

Wearing orthotics is an excellent way to recover faster and reduce discomfort during your recovery. Professionally fitted orthotics will support your arch and improve foot alignment. Improved foot alignment can make your condition less painful and make it easier to engage in everyday activities. Orthotics can also prevent overpronation, which is an inward rolling of the foot that exacerbates plantar pain and increases the chances of it happening again. 

Take Medications

If other self-help methods don't make your plantar fasciitis more manageable, try taking medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen usually act quickly and can provide relief that allows you to go about your everyday tasks. However, if you have an existing medical condition or you take other medications, always check with a professional before taking an anti-inflammatory drug.

For more information, contact a local clinic, like Sydney City Podiatry.