Dealing with chronic heel pain from Plantar Fasciitis isn’t easy. And some of the treatments Google may have offered you don’t look like a walk in the park either. The side effects from potential treatments like steroids, prescription medication to reduce inflammation, or even surgery sound as bad as the pain itself (and that’s saying something!) Many people (and with good reason) have turned to alternative treatments for Plantar Fasciitis–ones that don’t involve gnarly side effects. And essential oils tops the list of one of the most popular methods of treating Plantar Fasciitis.
Can essential oils be used to treat Plantar Fasciitis? What does the research say?
Keep reading to find out!
Need an affordable, all-natural treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?
Essential Oils Used to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Frankincense, peppermint, lemongrass oil, and grapeseed oil are a few of the most popular essential oils for treating Plantar Fasciitis. Numerous blog posts and social media pages tout the benefits of these oils for heel pain–and you’ll find many people excited to tell you more about these supposed cures.
Typically, the cure involves ingesting the essential oils in capsule form, mixing the oils in some combination and applying directly to the inflamed heel tissue, massaging the oils into the affected area, or a combination of the above. Some essential oil combinations may simply come under the name “Pain Away.” Some proponents insist that the results are rapid, while others prescribe continuous use for best results.
What the Research Says
Unfortunately, there isn’t any actual research to back back up claims that essential oils can be used to effectively treat the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. And while it can be tempting to believe anecdotes about cures that come from using essential oils alone, understanding the dynamics of what’s actually happening to cause Plantar Fasciitis can shed some light on the reasons that research to back up such claims isn’t forthcoming.
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by wear and strain to the fascia (the fleshy area between the heel and ball of your foot). Small tears and inflammation develop over time due to improper support of the arch (or fascia), which causes the hallmark symptom of Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain.
In other words, because Plantar Fasciitis is caused and exacerbated by a lack of support of the arch and strain to the tissues in the fascia, the most successful cure and treatment is to strengthen, cushion, and better support the base of the ligament.
The Good News on Essential Oils
The good news is, if you suffer from heel pain and want to experiment with essential oils, there are very few risks or negative side effects associated with these oils (as long as they’re used as intended. Some essential oils can cause allergic reactions or rashes if used without diluting them first).
While there is no research investigating essential oils as a potential cure for plantar fasciitis, there is research to support some of the general benefits of these oils. For example, German researchers have found that boswellic acid, found in frankincense, interferes with the inflammatory process, thereby reducing inflammatory reactions.
This does not mean that essential oils are proven to cure Plantar Fasciitis, but it is easy to understand potential benefits of oils that may have natural anti-inflammatory properties on this condition.
And, if you happen to love the smell and feel of essential oils (because there are some amazing options), incorporating them into a light massage for your feet, or simply using them in a diffuser or on your pulse points to make you feel more calm or inspired mentally is a great idea. The mind-body connection is a powerful one, and if you find relief and tranquility from using essential oils, by all means continue to use them!
Other Natural Options for Plantar Fasciitis Relief
If you’re not ready to try essential oils to treat your plantar fasciitis, or if you tried it without success, there are many other natural options for plantar fasciitis relief. Home remedies for Plantar Fasciitis like these stretches and simple exercises can make a major impact in the amount of pain you feel on a daily basis (especially in the morning). Before you decide on any treatment method, give them a try–you might find that they’re all you need! Another remedy that many people find success with is simply icing their feet regularly to reduce inflammation.
If exercising, stretching, and icing isn’t enough to keep your Plantar Fasciitis symptoms at bay, there are affordable products that stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities, which are an easy and non-invasive alternative to medical treatments. The best part? Because treatments like essential oils, orthotic inserts, and icing are so affordable and low-risk, you can try any combination of them and find what works best for you.
I would like to try the essential oils. How do i know what to buy and do i mix the essential oils together? If so how much of each do i add together.
Hi Teresa,
I mix my essential oils with Fractionated coconut oil in 10 ml glass roller bottles. I have been experimenting with my oils over the past year to help with all of my pains I have from an injury and have found much relief in addition to great skin care for my face too. 🙂
I would suggest you try 10 drops frankincense, 10 drops white fir and 5 drops lemongrass. 5 drops peppermint in a roller ball for your foot pain and/or any other tendon pains and see how that helps. I hope that is helpful for you.
Be well,
Inga
Where do u buy your roller bottles?
Kanani, I use Amazon. The blue and amber bottles are both good, and the price is right.
Hi guys you can actually use most any oil to dilute tzhe essential oils. Olive oil, Almond oil, Jojaba oil, or coconut oil. You can even use baby oil if you prefer. It’s all about the oil mix in that carrier oil as ut is called. 3 to 5 drops casn be good but if need be you can do up to 10 drops. It depends on the essential oils being used and how they effect you when using it. You must try and see for yourself, but be sure to goggle benefits for whatever the issue is first. Knowledge is key to using essential oils. The thing I appreciate the most is there are no side effects like with medications. I have this heelpain and respiratory issues. Esserntial oils really help me. Hope this helps too.
Can plantar fasciitis cause pain up the back of my leg
Yes. In fact, I just found out my pf. is being caused by sciatica & lumbar spine issues.
(the pain jolts up the back of leg & into glute)
They sent me to have an MRI of my spine & suggested physical therapy for the back, not just the foot/heel issue.
Yes goes all the way up the leg muscles
Doterra peppermint oil worked for me
I’ve been having severe pain on my left heel for months and I learned that Frankincense oil helps. I rubbed some on my heel and put on a sock then I stood and the pain was instantly gone. Thank you for sharing this valuable info!
Did you put the frankincense on full strength? Or did you blend it with a carrier?
You can apply the Frankenscence undiluted. Try diluted the first time to assure that you are not allergic. I use directly on my heel for immediate relief. My husband uses for herniated disk in his back. He was sceptical of the benefits of essential oils at first, thinking they offered only a lovely scent, now he keeps it on HIS nightstand and uses at sign of pain.
My husband uses Frankenscence mixed with his coconut oil for both Degenerative Disc Disorder on his back & for the Plantar Fasciitis Foot pain. His doctors wanted him to have surgery for both of these issues. He is no longer in pain & he never goes without his Frankenscence. It sits on the nightstand & he uses it as a massage both in the morning & evening. I’m a firm believer of the oils since he was in so much pain that he walked around bent over slightly from back pain & walked on the edges of his feet to alleviate the heel pain. He just turned 50 he is healthy & should not of been walking like a crippled old man. He now walks straight & normal & has also purchased good insoles to wear in his work boots to help prevent the Plantar Fasciitis from returning. I also believe that is just as important as well. Doctors said the way he was walking to prevent the pain in his heels was affecting his disc causing it to flair up. Relieving the pain didn’t happen overnight but within day 3 he notice less pain & by day 30 he was free from it so he continues his regimen to keep it away. He’s a truck driver so he will not take pain meds either.
How many drops please
Thank you for sharing your husbands story about the benefits of the Frankincense to his plantar fasciitis and Degenerative Disc problems!
I have used lemongrass oil along with coconut oil . Three drops of lemongrass oil . In three days plantar fasciitis was gone. Ordering frankincense next weekfor other issues.
How much coconut oil to what part fraenscene do you mix to get that results?
Is Sacred Frankinscense the same as just Frankinscense?
What brand insoles did he purchase? My hubby has tried several and they all fall apart. Oils alleviated the PF issue, but I agree with you that good insoles are needed as well. Thanks in advance.
Can you tell me the brand essential oil you use? Have pf and wanting to try. Thank you.
Does he dilute it? Or put them in a carrier
Thanks for sharing I am going to start trying this.
Can you use lavender oil I read ?
Yes, lavender is also excellent. It helps to relieve pain in ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Besides oils, Turmeric is good to add to the diet to help ease inflammation.
Without diluting your Frankincense first, the full strength oil will nearly instantly evaporate. You will waste a great deal of money, literally into thin air. It must be diluted into a carrier oil such has fractionated coconut oil or organic cold pressed jojoba, etc in order to keep the essential oil from evaporating before it can be delivered transderamally into the tissues of the body.
You can start with anywhere from 12 drops essential per ounce of carrier oil. Hope this helps you! God bless.
I also have PF and have used undituted peppermint oil and it is very effective. Today I tried Theives oil and that worked immediately on the pain. Also I love the smell of both peppermint band Theives. So it’s a win win.
Can i dilute with almond oil?
Yes! Almond is a great carrier oil, although more expensive than coconut oil.
i just have back prombles(lumbar) was going in and out of doctors for it so did go down to my feet now
The pain is unbearable….keeps me awake all night. I need advice x
I have found that the pain subsided when I started using a frozen water bottle and frankincense among a few other oils. One called Pan AWAY works great and I got them at wholesale pricing.
I got them from “RAWElement dot org” you can order them from them.
A NOTE: My chiropractor.told me that at the first sign of pain from PF, rest your foot. Don’t force yourself to walk, as the pain is from small tears and inflammation. Give a day to start to heal. Forcing yourself to stretch it can damage it more. I even got a walker, as the pain was so bad I couldn’t even stand.