Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Up to 1 in 10 people experience plantar fasciitis during their lifetime. Symptoms range from mild to severe. This condition may affect your ability to walk and carry out daily activities. 

The good news is that effective treatments are available. Some can be done at home. Physical therapy and a doctor’s care often help. Early treatment is important.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis (plan-ter fash-ee-ahy-tis) is a common condition causing heel pain, especially after resting or standing for a long time. It develops when the plantar fascia—a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot—becomes inflamed or injured. The pain occurs where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone or along its course in the arch of the foot and is often worst with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This condition may affect your ability to carry out daily activities. 

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The key symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain near the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after a long rest. Your heel or bottom of the foot may be painful to the touch. The pain often worsens at the end of the day.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you: 

• Have foot arch problems (flat feet or high arches)
• Run long distances, downhill, or on uneven surfaces
• Are overweight or have a sudden weight gain
• Boost your activity level (like starting a walking or running program)
• Have a tight calf muscle or limited ankle flexibility
• Wear shoes with poor arch support or soft soles
• Stand for long periods
• Have a low-activity (sedentary) lifestyle

Plantar fasciitis is often linked with heel spurs, bony growths that develop on the heel. 

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Usually, your doctor diagnoses plantar fasciitis based on your symptoms and by checking your foot and ankle for swollen or painful areas. 

Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound scans—especially for chronic (long-term) plantar fasciitis.

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

For some people, plantar fasciitis goes away without medical intervention, especially in early or mild cases. Early, consistent treatment—like stretching, rest, and supportive shoes—often leads to faster recovery. Most people begin to feel better within one to four weeks of starting consistent treatment.

Your local foot and ankle specialists can diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. They offer care ranging from recommended stretches and orthotics (shoe inserts) to advanced treatments like injections or surgery, if needed.

Starting treatment early supports a faster healing process and lowers the risk of later complications, including chronic heel pain, an altered gait, or joint problems in other parts of the body.

Once your condition is under control, you can take steps to prevent future flare-ups.

At-Home and Conservative Treatments

Treatment often begins at home. Your doctor may recommend: 

• Exercises to gently stretch the plantar fascia
• Calf stretching exercises
• Ice packs to reduce inflammation 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), taken as pills or as a gel to rub into your heel, as directed by your medical provider
• Supportive shoes to relieve strain on the plantar fascia
• Over-the-counter arch supports

Medical Treatments

If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, your doctor may recommend:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the foot and enhance mobility
• Custom orthotic shoe inserts 
• Corticosteroid injections to relieve stubborn inflammation
• Iontophoresis, which uses a mild electrical current or a special patch to push medicines (like corticosteroids) through the skin to help relieve inflammation and reduce pain
• Alternative treatments including laser or photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), shockwave therapy, and platelet rich plasma (PRP) may help the healing process

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery is only considered in advanced cases when other treatments have not worked and quality of life is significantly affected. Procedures usually involve releasing part of the plantar fascia to reduce tension and support the recovery process. 

When to See a Podiatrist

If heel pain continues despite rest and conservative care, or if it begins to interfere with your daily activities, it may be time to seek professional evaluation. A podiatrist can help identify any contributing issues and recommend a tailored approach based on your needs. Early intervention may shorten recovery time and help prevent long-term discomfort or mobility problems.