Treatment

How is Plantar Fasciitis treated?(1)

Surgery is typically the last resort to treat Plantar Fasciitis.  Rest and a reduction in prolonged weight-bearing activities are typically options for treatment. Proper footwear, orthotics, taping, stretching and strengthening exercises could also be a significant part of recovery. Some physicians will utilize corticosteroid injections, though additional injections tend to weaken the fascia, especially repeated injections over time. Over the counter medication such as aspirin can be used to relieve pain, though it has no direct effect on the recovery of the plantar fascia.

The first step to successful treatment of plantar fasciitis is visiting a medical physician.

Once diagnosed with plantar fasciitis there are a variety of treatments available to the patient. Initial treatment of plantar fasciitis consists of many conservative methods.

  • Rest: Provides significant relief. Limit the amount of activity, walking, running, and weight on feet.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the plantar (bottom) aspect of your foot will reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Proper Shoes: Shoes that do not fit properly or have excessive wear and tear, which results in lower shock absorbance should be avoided.
  • Stretching: Toe curl, towel stretch, and wall stretches. Some stretching techniques are shown in pictures below.
towel stretch Towelcurl wall stretch waterbottle
(Towel stretch) (Toe Curl) (Wall Stretch) (Bottle Roll)

Pain on the bottom of the foot usually subsides throughout the day. Full recovery and complete abolition of pain is expected to occur on it’s own between 6 and 18 months, though it could last longer.

If initial treatment does not show significant results, medical physicians may recommend more intense treatment options.

  • Medication: NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are common used to reduce inflammation. Common NSAID used are ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or Aspirin.
  • Orthotics: Custom prescription orthotics are recommended. Other options are over the counter orthotics found at sporting goods stores or drugstores or heel cups.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the plantar fascia.
  • Taping/Strapping: Low Dye athletic taping techniques. Pads may be used to help offload the foot.
  • Night Splint: Night splints are used to keep the foot in a neutral position at night while passively stretching the plantar fascia.
  • Corticosteroid Injection: Corticosteroid injections are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This option should be used with discretion due to overuse leading to weakened fascia.

If all other treatments options have been exhausted, a medical physician may recommend the following options:

  • Surgery: Plantar Fasciotomy (Release of the plantar fascia).

New techniques currently showing clinical significance.

  • Extra Corporal Shockwave Therapy: High-pressure sound waves are used on damaged fascia. This technique is seen as an alternate to surgery for patients that have exhausted all other options.(1)
  • Low -Level Laser Therapy: Current studies are showing positive results on the use of low-level laser therapy directly on the plantar fascia to promote healing.(3)