Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Overview

When you may need a care provider

See a healthcare provider if your pain doesn’t go away after 6–8 weeks of home treatment, or sooner if symptoms are worsening. See a provider right away if your symptoms are so severe that you’re unable to walk.

Your provider may suggest injections, physical therapy, or refer you to a specialist for more advanced testing and treatment.

Getting diagnosed

• Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed based on a physical exam.
• Tests aren’t usually needed. But your provider may order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to rule out other conditions, like a stress fracture or bone spur.

What to expect from your doctor visit

• Corticosteroid (“cortisone”) injections may be recommended to provide temporary pain relief.
• Using supportive devices, like a cane, walking boot, or crutches, can take pressure off your foot.
• Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist will teach you stretches and exercises to relieve pain and strengthen your lower leg muscles.
• Other treatments, like platelet-rich plasma injections, dry needling, low-level laser therapy, and botox injections, have been used with some success but are still considered unproven.
• In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is only done when the pain is severe or other treatment options haven’t worked.

Types of plantar fasciitis providers

• A primary care provider can diagnose plantar fasciitis and treat mild to moderate symptoms.
• You may need to see an orthopedic specialist, who has training in the joints and tissues, if your symptoms are severe. If surgery is recommended, you’ll be referred to an orthopedic surgeon.
• A podiatrist, who specializes in foot care, can also treat plantar fasciitis and fit you for custom-made orthotics.
• A physical therapist can help treat the injured area and teach you stretches and exercises that help relieve pain.

How to treat plantar fasciitis at home

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis, which include heel pain and sharp pain on the bottom of the foot, improve with home care in about 90% of people. But it can take a year for symptoms to go away completely. The pain is caused by inflammation of the fascia (band of tissue) that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes.

OTC anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help the pain.

Tips for treating plantar fasciitis

• Reduce pain and inflammation by placing an ice pack on the affected foot for 20 minutes 3–4 times a day.
• Take time off from high-impact or other activities that aggravate plantar fasciitis, like running or hiking.
• Wear supportive shoes. Look for footwear with thick soles, extra cushioning, good arch support, and a low to moderate heel. Avoid flat shoes, high heels, and flimsy shoes like flip-flops or slippers.
• Shoe inserts like heel cups, arch supports, or custom-made orthotics can help support your feet and relieve pain.
• Massage the bottom of your foot by rolling it over a golf ball or tennis ball.
• It’s helpful to stretch the fascia on the bottom of the foot, along with the calf muscle and heel cord. A physical therapist can help create a stretching routine for you.
• Wearing night splints, which stretch your calf and foot while you sleep, may help.

Wellness and prevention

• Certain exercises, like swimming and biking, are less likely to trigger plantar fasciitis pain.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese puts more pressure on your feet.
• Replace walking and running sneakers regularly. Exercising in worn-out sneakers can aggravate plantar fasciitis.
• Runners should follow a careful training plan. Sudden increases in running distance or frequency can trigger plantar fasciitis.
• Stretching before and after exercising can also help.