How is plantar fasciitis treated?

The plantar fascia is a strong band beneath the foot that helps support the arch. Treatment reduces repeated strain while improving the calf, ankle, and foot’s ability to share load. A clinician may assess walking, ankle movement, footwear, tenderness, and the demands of your work or sport. Avoiding sudden increases in running, prolonged standing, or barefoot walking on hard surfaces may help. A supportive shoe can be more comfortable than a flat, worn, or unsupportive one.

Physiotherapy may include calf stretching, plantar fascia-specific stretching, foot intrinsic strengthening, and progressive loading such as heel raises. Custom orthotics can be considered when foot mechanics or comfort make them useful. Shockwave therapy may be offered for persistent symptoms after an assessment. Cortisone or PRP injections are additional options that require a discussion of suitability, benefits, and possible downsides. Increase walking or exercise in small stages, and judge progress by function as well as morning heel pain.

Seek an assessment if heel pain persists, changes your walking pattern, or prevents normal work and exercise. Prompt medical review is needed after a sudden injury, inability to bear weight, marked swelling, numbness, skin color change, or a hot red foot with fever. Pain that is severe at rest or steadily worsening should also be checked rather than managed by repeated self-treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit plantar fasciitis, which footwear or exercises suit your foot, and how to progress walking safely. Discuss whether orthotics, shockwave therapy, or an injection is appropriate and what other causes of heel pain should be considered.