Treatment:

Your doctor will usually first recommend:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Heel stretching exercises
• Resting as much as possible for at least a week
• Wearing shoes with good support and cushions

Other steps to relieve pain include:

• Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 - 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.
• Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or shoe inserts.
• Use night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal.

If these treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend:

• Wearing a boot cast, which looks like a ski boot, for 3-6 weeks. It can be removed for bathing.
• Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Steroid shots or injections into the heel

In a few patients, nonsurgical treatment does not work. Surgery to release the tight tissue becomes necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

Nonsurgical treatments almost always improve the pain. Treatment can last from several months to 2 years before symptoms get better. Most patients feel better in 9 months. Some people need surgery to relieve the pain.

Complications:

Pain may continue despite treatment. Some people may need surgery. Surgery has its own risks. Talk to your doctor about the risks of surgery.

Calling your health care provider:

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