Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

About This Treatment

The foot specialists at Franciscan Health offer a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for plantar fasciitis. We tailor treatment plans to your individual needs and lifestyle so you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Most people can find relief from heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis with conservative therapies, including:

• Icing your heel and elevating your foot
• Pain relievers or anti-inflammatories
• Physical therapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Wearing a custom orthotic or splint

For more extreme cases of plantar fasciitis, your doctor may recommend steroid injections or surgery to separate the plantar fascia from the heel bone.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. When healthy, it acts as a shock absorber for the foot's natural arch. However, repeated stress causes small tears in the plantar fascia that result in inflammation and pain.

Plantar fasciitis diagnosis

The foot doctors at Franciscan Health will review your medical history and examine your foot. You may have X-rays or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to make sure your pain is not due to a stress fracture or other condition.

Plantar fasciitis causes

Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis is common in athletes, especially runners. Other risk factors include:

• Being between the ages of 40-60 years old
• Being overweight
• Having flat feet or unusually high arches
• Wearing shoes with bad support

Plantar fasciitis symptoms

Sharp pain at the bottom of the foot, toward the heel, is usually the main symptom of plantar fasciitis. You may also have tenderness throughout the bottom of the foot. It's usually most painful when you take the first few steps in the morning, and after long periods of standing or sitting.