When my plantar fasciitis and related ankle pain kicked in again, I assumed that the only real healing required extended rest.
Shoe inserts, a few exercises, and ibuprofen seemed to provide some relief, but I really don’t want to be taking one more pill in my daily regimen and, frankly, I wasn’t so sure that anything that would cover up what my body was trying to tell me was such a good idea.
Finally, I did cave in at my wife’s suggestion of Voltaren nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ointment. I just couldn’t see how something applied to the surface of the skin could really reach far into the muscles. I guess all that Bengay smeared on me in my childhood hadn’t convinced me.
We buy ours in Canada, by the way, where the tubes that are offered are stronger and longer-acting.
So far, as I’ll crow, my attitude’s changed.
It even has me reconsidering some of the traditional treatments in the healing circles of our neighboring Passamaquoddy tribe. Pine tar, anyone? They say it works wonders.
Jnana's Red Barn 
Voltaren also works for arthritic joint pain. I only have to use it a few times a year, but it works wonders when necessary