Treatment:

Conservative treatment is almost always successful, given enough time. Treatment can last from several months to 2 years before symptoms get better. Most patients will be better in 9 months.

Initial treatment usually consists of:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Heel stretching exercises
• Night splints
• Shoe inserts

If these fail, putting the affected foot in a short leg cast (a cast up to but not above the knee) for 3-6 weeks is very often successful in reducing pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a cast boot (which looks like a ski boot) may be used. It is still worn full time, but can be removed for bathing.

Some physicians will offer steroid injections, which can provide lasting relief in many people. However, this injection is very painful and not for everyone.

In a few patients, non-surgical treatment fails and surgery to release the tight, inflamed fascia becomes necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

Nearly all patients will improve within 1 year of beginning non-surgical therapy, with no long-term problems. In the few patients requiring surgery, most have relief of their heel pain.

Complications:

Complications with surgery include:

• Infection
• Nerve injury
• No improvement in pain
• Rupture of the plantar fascia

With other treatments, a complication is continued pain.

Calling your health care provider:

Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis.