From the Guidelines
Mobic (meloxicam) 7.5mg taken twice daily (morning and evening) can be effective for treating plantar fasciitis pain, but it should be used with caution and as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. This dosing regimen provides a total daily dose of 15mg, which is within the recommended range for this medication. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia, the band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes. For plantar fasciitis, this medication should be used in conjunction with rest, ice, stretching exercises, proper footwear with good arch support, and possibly night splints, as recommended by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 1.
While taking Mobic, be aware of potential side effects including stomach upset, heartburn, and increased risk of cardiovascular events or gastrointestinal bleeding with prolonged use, as noted in various studies on NSAID use 1. Take this medication with food to minimize stomach irritation. This medication should be used for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms, typically no more than 7-10 days without medical supervision. If you have kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, or are taking certain medications like blood thinners or other NSAIDs, consult your doctor before using Mobic as it may not be appropriate for you.
Some key considerations for the treatment of plantar fasciitis include:
- Using NSAIDs like meloxicam for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms
- Combining medication with non-pharmacological treatments like rest, ice, and stretching exercises
- Considering alternative treatments if no improvement occurs after six weeks, such as customized orthotic devices or night splinting 1
- Being aware of potential side effects and taking steps to minimize them, such as taking medication with food.
It's also important to note that the treatment of plantar fasciitis should be individualized and based on the specific needs and circumstances of each patient, taking into account factors like disease severity, medical history, and potential contraindications or interactions with other medications.
From the Research
Treatment Outcome of Mobic (Meloxicam) for Plantar Fasciitis
- The provided studies do not specifically address the treatment outcome of taking Mobic (Meloxicam) 7.5mg in the morning and 7.5mg in the evening for plantar fasciitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, one study evaluated the efficacy of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, which found that pain and disability mean scores improved significantly over time in both the NSAID and placebo groups, although there was no statistical significance between the two groups at 1,2, or 6 months 2.
- Another study compared the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection and non-invasive treatments for plantar fasciitis, and found that corticosteroid injection tended to be more effective for pain reduction than non-invasive treatments within 3 months 5.
- A systematic review of the current best evidence for plantar fasciitis treatment found that both customized functional foot orthoses and corticosteroid injections can lead to a decrease in pain associated with plantar fasciitis, and that customized functional foot orthoses may also provide an additional benefit in terms of increased functional ability in patients with plantar fasciitis 6.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) for Plantar Fasciitis
- The use of NSAIDs, such as Mobic (Meloxicam), may increase pain relief and decrease disability in patients with plantar fasciitis when used with a conservative treatment regimen 2.
- However, the studies provided do not specifically address the efficacy of Mobic (Meloxicam) 7.5mg twice daily for plantar fasciitis, and more research is needed to determine the optimal treatment regimen for this condition.
Combination Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
- One study found that combining corticosteroid injection and physical training (strength training and stretching) resulted in a superior effect compared to each treatment separately, and recommended this combined treatment as the first line treatment for patients with plantar fasciitis 3.
- Another study found that customized functional foot orthoses may provide an additional benefit in terms of increased functional ability in patients with plantar fasciitis, and that corticosteroid injections may have side effects, especially pain (from the injection) 6.