Orthopedics Leg, Foot & Ankle Causes of Pain 4 Natural Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis By Cathy Wong, ND Updated September 06, 2017 Share Pin Email Print Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images More in Orthopedics Leg, Foot & Ankle Causes of Pain Treatment & Surgery Sprains & Strains Fractures & Broken Bones Osteoporosis Sports Injuries Physical Therapy Orthopedic Surgery Shoulder & Elbow Hip & Knee Hand & Wrist Assistive Devices & Orthotics Medication & Injections Pediatric Orthopedics View All A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is marked by inflammation in the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. This band is known as the plantar fascia.Symptoms of Plantar FasciitisThe main symptom of plantar fasciitis is a severe, stabbing pain in the heel of your foot, especially during your first few steps of the day. Although pain tends to become less intense after those first few steps, it can return upon arising after a long period of sitting. In most cases, plantar fasciitis affects only one foot. It tends to begin gradually, with a mild pain at the heel.Natural Treatment for Plantar FasciitisIn about 90 percent of cases, people with plantar fasciitis improve significantly after two months of treatment. Standard treatments include custom-fitted arch supports and physical therapy.When left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic condition and leave you more vulnerable to knee, hip, and back problems.So far, scientific support for the claim that any natural remedy can treat plantar fasciitis is lacking. Here's a look at several natural approaches:1) ExerciseSimple exercises that stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon are key to alleviating plantar fasciitis. Your doctor can help you to develop an exercise program that targets the areas affected by plantar fasciitis.2) Cold therapyApplying ice to the affected foot for 20 minutes three or four times daily should help lessen plantar fasciitis pain. 3) GingerAlthough no studies have explored the effect of ginger on people with plantar fasciitis, some medical experts recommend this herb for relieving plantar fasciitis-related pain and inflammation.Learn about other inflammation-fighting herbs.4) Magnetic TherapyMagnetic therapy (a form of alternative medicine that involves delivering magnetic fields directly to the body) is often touted as a natural means of easing plantar fasciitis pain. However, in a 2003 study of 101 adults, researchers found that magnetic insoles didn't protect against plantar fasciitis any more than non-magnetic insoles.Risk Factors for Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia. The following people may be at risk for this condition:pregnant womenpeople who are overweightpeople with flat feet or high archesrunnerspeople whose jobs keep them on their feetWearing shoes that lack arch support can also increase your risk of plantar fasciitis.Using Natural Remedies for Plantar FasciitisDue to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend natural remedies for plantar fasciitis. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using any form of alternative medicine, make sure to consult your physician first.To increase your defense against plantar fasciitis, aim to maintain a healthy weight, wear supportive shoes, and replace running shoes after every 500 miles of use.Sources:Winemiller MH, Billow RG, Laskowski ER, Harmsen WS. "Effect of Magnetic vs Sham-Magnetic Insoles on Plantar Heel Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial."JAMA 2003 17;290(11):1474-8. Continue Reading