There is a range of essential oils to use for plantar fasciitis. To relieve discomfort and pain, you can use lavender, frankincense, eucalyptus, bergamot, peppermint, and ginger essential oils. Also, you can try other home remedies for this condition.
In this article, you will learn what makes certain essential oil effective for plantar fasciitis. Keep reading to know What Essential Oils to Use for Plantar Fasciitis.
What essential oils to use for plantar fasciitis? (Best Essential Oils)
Do you suffer from plantar fasciitis and want to experiment with essential oils? Are you having trouble choosing the right essential oil for your chronic heel pain?
One of the popular home remedies for plantar fasciitis is applying essential oils on the feet’s sole, especially the heel area. Different oils are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful in relieving pain.
Here are the top essential oils you can use to relieve plantar fasciitis:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
This essential oil is obtained from the lavender plant and offers excellent results in pain and inflammation relief.
A research shows that lavender essential oil topical application provides the same pain-relief effects as an opioid medication for moderately severe pain called tramadol. The oil’s analgesic properties help relieve swelling and inflammation.
2. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is known for the effective treatment of a number of illnesses, from arthritis pain to depression. This essential oil is obtained from the Boswellia tree’s resin, which is native to Arabian Peninsula and Somalia.
A study suggests that Frankincense essential oil can inhibit leukotrienes, inflammatory mediators responsible for painful conditions like asthma, colitis, arthritis, and rheumatism.
This essential oil blocks the inflammatory molecules’ synthesis, which helps relieve the heel pain. It is recommended to dilute the oil when massaging it on aching body parts, such as joints, tendons, muscles, and soles of the feet.
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and used for treating different respiratory illnesses, including sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.
A study highlights the eucalyptus essential oil’s medicinal potential, showing that patients who inhaled the oil experience reduced pain after a knee replacement surgery. You can rub diluted oil on the feet to relieve plantar fasciitis and even treat athlete’s foot and blisters.
4. Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is obtained from bergamot fruit with therapeutic effects that help alleviate discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis.
This essential oil counteracts muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation. It is used as aromatherapy to treat a chronic medical condition caused by nerve damage called neuropathic pain.
The compound called linalool found in bergamot essential oil delivers anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It helps alleviate the tension in the muscles and feet.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
As a natural painkiller, peppermint essential oil relieves foot strain. A study suggests that peppermint essential oil topical application provides pain relief from myofascial and fibromyalgia pain syndrome.
The two medical conditions involve either widespread chronic or musculoskeletal pain. A similar study also recommends the use of capsaicin ointments and eucalyptus essential oil for relieving pain.
Massages using peppermint essential oil help reverse the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. You can dilute 2-3 drops of the oil in one tablespoon of preferred carrier oil. It provides a cooling sensation to the strained connective tissue.
6. Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is loaded with the right anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants necessary for reducing acute inflammation. The oil derived from the medicinal root effectively improves circulation and reduces inflammation.
A highly concentrated ginger extract was used by patients suffering from knee osteoporosis. Participants reported less pain and reduced need for painkillers during the evaluation.
Topical application and inhalation of ginger essential oil help ease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
What does science say about using essential oils for plantar fasciitis?
Currently, no enough evidence broadly supports essential oils being a remedy to plantar fasciitis.
There are some studies indicating the benefits of using essential oils on heel pain. However, other studies show no improvements in the heel pain symptoms.
A study suggests that lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve pain and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.
Many studies have been done on various essential oils for inflammation and pain. However, there are no yet reputable studies focusing on plantar fasciitis relief.
Do you want to know What Causes Plantar Fasciitis to Flare Up, read out this guide.
What are other home remedies for plantar fasciitis?
Aside from applying topically on painful heels, here are other remedies for plantar fasciitis you can do at home:
1. Apply Ice Pack
A simple way to reduce inflammation due to plantar fasciitis is by applying an ice pack. You can crush up ice and put it in a bag. Then, put it on your foot’s base for up 20 minutes. Repeat the process up to four times daily.
2. Improve Diet
A healthy diet helps lose weight, and it helps reduce strain on the critical shock-absorbing ligaments. A balanced diet also boosts the healing process.
You can consume foods packed with anti-inflammatory properties, such a nuts and seeds rich in omega 3 and monounsaturated fats like almonds, Brazil nuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Fruits and veggies rich in vitamins and antioxidants should also be part of your diet.
3. Use Splints
Using splints helps keep the tissues stretched after strenuous activities or during the night. Remember that connection tissues in your feet contract and shorten as you naturally curl your toes. However, re-stretching these tissues can be painful if you have plantar fasciitis.
To learn more about splints, you can read our post about the night splint controversy.
4. Have a Good Rest
A good rest is also effective at relieving a painful heel. Resting helps inflamed and strained ligaments to heal. If you need to stay active and fit during recovery, perform only low-impact exercises.
Conclusion
Current science does not yet support essential oils as a reputable treatment for plantar fasciitis. However, there is no harm in adding these oils to your recovery options. You can try the above essential oils and see if they can help you relieve pain. If you believe essential oils are not your thing, wearing plantar fasciitis braces can be a better solution. Feel free to check out our top 6 picks for the best plantar fasciitis braces.