Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition where the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed due to overuse or strain.

Causes include excessive running, standing, or walking, as well as poor foot mechanics or footwear. Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even osteoarthritis. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper can be used in topical creams or taken internally in moderation.

However, caution should be taken when using medicinal herbs, as excessive consumption can exacerbate conditions like bleeding disorders or interact with medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of plantar fasciitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of plantar fasciitis?

The main causes of plantar fasciitis are multifactorial, including overuse and repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, leading to micro-tears and inflammation, especially in individuals with flat feet, high arches, or poor foot mechanics.

Abnormal gait patterns, obesity, and sudden increases in activity or exercise can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, age-related wear and tear on the plantar fascia, particularly after the age of 40, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes with inadequate support or cushioning, especially high heels, can exacerbate the condition.

Furthermore, conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, ankle instability, and leg length discrepancies can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.

• Overpronation: Overpronation, or excessive inward rolling of the foot, can cause plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stretching and straining of the plantar fascia as it attempts to compensate for the abnormal foot mechanics.
• Flat Feet: Flat feet, or fallen arches, can cause plantar fasciitis due to the abnormal distribution of weight and stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and irritation.
• High Arches: High arches can cause plantar fasciitis due to the abnormal concentration of stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and irritation.
• Tight Calf Muscles: Tight calf muscles can cause plantar fasciitis due to the calf muscles' pull on the Achilles tendon, which in turn pulls on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and irritation.
• Running: Running can cause plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive impact and stress on the plantar fascia, particularly if proper running shoes and training techniques are not used.
• Standing: Standing for long periods of time, particularly on hard surfaces, can cause plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stress and pressure on the plantar fascia.
• Wearing Flip Flops: Wearing flip flops can cause plantar fasciitis due to the lack of arch support and the resulting abnormal distribution of weight and stress on the plantar fascia.
• Being Overweight: Being overweight can cause plantar fasciitis due to the increased weight and stress on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and irritation.
• Age: Age can cause plantar fasciitis due to the natural wear and tear on the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues over time.
• Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or provide adequate support can cause plantar fasciitis due to the abnormal distribution of weight and stress on the plantar fascia.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for plantar fasciitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for plantar fasciitis are Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Arnica montana, Zingiber officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Cinchona officinalis, Hamamelis virginiana, Aloe vera, Equisetum arvense, Capsicum annuum.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin which reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting COX-2 enzymes, a key factor in plantar fasciitis. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain in the heel. Arnica montana, Zingiber officinale and Capsicum annuum have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that reduce pain and inflammation, while Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera soothe the skin and reduce swelling.

Cinchona officinalis and Hamamelis virginiana reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana, a herb with anti-inflammatory compounds, may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis by acting as a counterirritant and promoting blood flow to the affected area.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, contains gingerols and shogaols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, the aloe vera plant, has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis by calming the affected area.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, the cinchona tree, contains quinine, a compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana, or witch hazel, has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis by promoting blood clotting and reducing swelling.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, a succulent plant, has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis by calming the affected area.
• Equisetum arvense: Equisetum arvense, or horsetail, contains silica, a compound that can help improve collagen production and reduce inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, or cayenne pepper, contains capsaicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P.

What are the main herbal preparations used for plantar fasciitis?

The main herbal preparations used for plantar fasciitis are Decoction, Tincture, Ointment, Salve, Cream, Gel, Capsule, Poultice, Suppository, Tea.

Decoction of Willow bark (Salix alba) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is used to reduce inflammation due to its salicylic acid content, which mimics Aspirin's anti-inflammatory effect. Tinctures of Arnica (Arnica montana) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are applied topically to reduce pain and inflammation. Ointments, Salves, Creams, and Gels of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Epsom, and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) are applied topically to reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing, and relax muscles.

Capsules of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) are ingested to reduce inflammation and pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Angelica archangelica, also known as wild celery, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of aloin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of the leaves of Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through its high concentration of triterpenoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Salve: A salve of the roots of Devil's claw, also known as Harpagophytum procumbens, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing pain and inflammation through its high concentration of iridoid glycosides, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Cream: A cream of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, also known as eucalyptus, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of eucalyptol, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Gel: A gel of the stems of Arnica montana, also known as mountain arnica, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through its high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Capsule: A capsule of the seeds of Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of thymoquinone, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of the leaves of Plantago major, also known as plantain, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of aucubin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of the roots of Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Tea: A tea of the leaves of Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, helps with plantar fasciitis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain through its high concentration of gingerols, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.