Plantar fasciitis treatment options
Our podiatrists (foot care doctors) typically recommend conservative treatment first, such as:
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- Applying ice to the painful area twice daily for 10 to 15 minutes (or more often in the first few days)
- Exercises to stretch the heel and foot
- Resting the foot as much as possible for at least a week
- Wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or shoe inserts to alleviate pressure
- Wearing a splint while sleeping to stretch the foot
- Wearing shoes with good support and cushioning
If these treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend:
- Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics)
- Steroid shots or injections into the heel to reduce inflammation
- Wearing a boot cast, which looks like a ski boot, for three to six weeks
In severe cases, foot surgery may be needed to cure plantar fasciitis.