The plantar fascia is a band of thick connective tissues that supports the connection between the heel bone and toes. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation or trauma of that ligament that becomes the cause of heel pain.
Studies suggest that it is a prevalent orthopedic condition, and at least 1 out of 10 people is prone to have plantar fasciitis once in their life. Athletes and overweight most commonly experience plantar fasciitis as their ligament is under extensive stress, which may tear or rupture it.
8 Plantar Fasciitis Supplements
Regardless of all the surgeries and medications that are available to treat plantar fasciitis, supplements are a better alternative as they eliminate the chance of side effects and provide a safer treatment. Some of the most recommended plantar fasciitis supplements are;
1. VITAMIN C
Vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that directly acts on plantar fasciitis inflammatory mediators, thus preventing further deterioration of the condition. A case report suggests that a lady, 44 years of age, was supplemented with 1 – 3 grams of Vitamin C per day along with physiotherapy and showed recovery in 6 weeks.
2. MAGNESIUM
Foods such as spinach, pumpkin, brown rice, etc., have a high content of magnesium in them which not only has anti-inflammatory qualities but also aid in increased absorption of calcium. C- reactive protein indicates the level of inflammation in the body, and studies suggest that magnesium significantly reduces its level, thus preventing plantar fasciitis.
3. FISH OIL
Fish oil supplements have high values of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and oxidative properties that maintain foot health like the above two. According to research, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil is similar to that of ibuprofen in terms of relieving pain.
4. CURCUMIN
Curcumin is the major element found in turmeric that reduces pain, redness, and swelling on the heel. It has long been utilized in traditional medicine because of its capabilities to reduce inflammation, thus allowing the ligaments to rejuvenate.
5. CALCIUM
Calcium does not treat plantar fasciitis but prevents complications like heel spur, which may develop after the ligament injury. Experiments proved the efficacy of calcium in cushioning the heel and reducing pain.
6. ARNICA
Helenalin is the key compound of Arnica, used widely to treat muscle strain, heel pain, etc. It reduces inflammatory triggers in the body, which subsequently reduces swelling and redness. Studies suggest positive results in treating heel pain.
7. BROMELAIN
Bromelain is abundantly found in pineapples. It has anti-inflammatory qualities and has a similar effect on pain as painkillers. Moreover, it accelerates the healing process and is not widely recommended by physicians too.
8. GINGER
Ginger has strong pain-relieving properties and is as effective as NSAID in treating pain caused by plantar fasciitis. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, which provide significant health benefits.
The Takeaway
The plantar fasciitis supplements that are mentioned above are supported by the studies in terms of treating and preventing symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you are looking for an all-inclusive formula, consider PodiVite formulated by Dr. Devan Patel, of Zen Nutrients. It is rated as the most comprehensive and all natural plantar fasciitis formula on the market.
Devan Patel 