How long does a cortisone injection take to work for plantar fasciitis?

Any numbing medicine used during the procedure can make the foot feel better shortly afterwards, but that effect is temporary. Cortisone takes longer to reduce local inflammation. Pain may remain with the first steps in the morning or after rest while the tissue settles. The injection does not correct footwear, calf tightness, loading patterns, or other factors that can keep stressing the plantar fascia.

The heel can be tender after the procedure. Improvement is more useful when it shows up in walking comfort and tolerance of ordinary activity, not only while the foot is numb.

Reduce impact activity for the period recommended by your clinician and choose supportive shoes. Avoid testing the foot with running, jumping, or prolonged barefoot walking while it is sore. Gentle calf and foot exercises can be introduced when advised. A physiotherapist may help adjust loading gradually so that pain relief supports recovery rather than hiding an overload.

Note morning pain, walking distance, footwear, and activity. If relief is absent or short-lived at follow-up, discuss other contributors and non-injection options with the treating clinician.

Call the clinic if heel pain is worsening, the injection site becomes increasingly red or swollen, or fluid drains from it. Seek urgent care for fever, severe swelling, inability to bear weight, new numbness or weakness, or rapidly increasing pain. These findings may signal a complication or a different foot problem.

Ask when to resume work, walking, sport, and stretching; whether your footwear needs changing; and what follow-up is planned. Ask how the injection fits with strengthening and gradual loading, and what to do if first-step pain does not change.