A PAIN IN THE FOOT


It felt the way I imagine a  knife driving into the bottom of my foot would feel every time I took a step. It was the most intense first thing in the morning when I would roll out of bed and my feet hit the floor for the first time that day.  The shooting pain was hard to ignore.


It’s called Plantar Fasciitis and it hurts!

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, or main ligament on the bottom of the foot.  It is caused by strain and due to the strategic location and function of the heel it becomes an area vulnerable to damage, injury and pain.


How long does it last?

I’ve had it twice now and in both cases it lasted a very long time. It was several months of hobbling around every time I resumed activity after a period of rest. That is when the pain of plantar fasciitis is the most intense. It tends to lessen with continued motion, almost like it’s warming up.  The end of the day can be particularly tricky as well depending on the amount of standing, walking and other activities you may engage in.  The area becomes aggravated and more inflamed and will demonstrate itself with pain at the end of the day.  It doesn’t have to be like this. It doesn’t have to last long if you experience plantar fasciitis at all.  


Will I heal from plantar fasciitis?

I had had enough of coping with plantar fasciitis when I visited the Czech Republic-a dream come true experience. It was cool, wet weather when we were there and Europe is known for gorgeous rolling hills and cobblestone streets (hello slippery & rocky roads that are hard on the feet!). I walked for hours there enjoying all that Prague has to offer but it wasn’t without the pain in my foot and realized it was time to take massive action. I mapped out a plan to heal from plantar fasciitis and I worked at it diligently every single day.  I began noticing improvements right away and within a couple of weeks I could walk without the stabbing pain of plantar fasciitis.  


How I healed from plantar fasciitis


  1.  TURMERIC- approaching the symptoms of plantar fasciitis from the inside out I began with an Ayurvedic remedy known to support a healthy inflammatory response in the body.  doTerra’s dual chamber turmeric capsules were my go-to for this (and many other) conditions.  I used two capsules daily and began noticing improvements in the level of pain almost immediately.  These capsules are a must-have in every medicine cabinet. Learn More about Turmeric capsules Here


  1. S-T-R-E-T-C-H- This accessible healing tool is for everyone.  The best stretches work on the gastrocnemius muscle (your calf muscle) and begin to alleviate the discomfort in the heel. As the healing begins you can start deepening the stretches for continued improvement.  Here is an excellent list of stretches to support your recovery  Stretching out the pain I did these every couple of hours- no joke!


  1. FOOT RUB- Who doesn’t love a good foot rub?, especially when your feet are hurting.  Plantar Fasciitis can even make this painful so you’ll need to begin with a gentle touch. To heal my plantar fasciitis I leaned on the tools I lean on for everything- my essential oils. When selecting the oils for my treatment I looked for those that would create a healthy inflammatory response in the body and allow for healing to take place.  Frankincense was the top choice.  Lemongrass and peppermint were also chosen for their soothing and cooling properties. I diluted these three oils with fractionated coconut oil to create a massage treatment. Applied liberally 2-3 times daily and especially at night before bed.  Request a sample here:  Sample it yourself!


  1. FOOT CARE SPECIALIST- You may need some outside help to get the healing going and amplify the effects of all that you are doing.  I will never regret the treatments I had done with my Chiropodist.  Tracy was so supportive of the efforts I was putting into healing and she offered non invasive options that began to work right away. I purchased a treatment package that was worth every cent (and did not break the bank!) This clinic offers the best care and if you’re not local to me try googling the options in your area.  Kyle Foot and Orthotics clinic


  1. INSOLES- sounds simple because it is. There are many on the market to choose from and you may do a little experimenting before you find the one you like best. Your foot care specialist can custom create these for you but the cost is significantly higher and you will likely find your relief with a store bought option. Check these out


It’s been a full year PAIN-FREE!


I still practice the stretches every single day and I still use my oils to regulate a healthy inflammatory response in my body.  I’ve adjusted my diet by reducing/removing foods that inflame the body (dairy was my big one!). I use my insoles.

Now I can hop out of bed in the morning with zero pain and enjoy activities without needing to compensate for my sore foot. 


You can heal your body too.


Rebecca

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