What to expect from a cortisone injection for plantar fasciitis

The clinician examines the heel and cleans the skin before placing a needle near the painful plantar fascia. Local anaesthetic may be used, causing a brief sting, pressure, or temporary numbness. Corticosteroid is intended to settle local inflammation and make walking more comfortable. It does not lengthen a tight calf, change footwear pressure, or restore the fascia by itself. Some people feel improvement after the appointment, while others notice limited or temporary change. Your response helps guide the next part of care.

Tell the clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, allergies, infection, pregnancy, or previous reactions to injections. Plan footwear and transport if the foot may be numb afterward. Follow instructions about walking and exercise, and avoid impact or prolonged standing for the advised period. Use comfortable, supportive shoes and return to stretching or strengthening only as directed. An ongoing plan may include calf and foot exercises, load adjustment, and support for daily activities. Record changes in first-step pain, walking tolerance, and tenderness.

Contact the treating service if redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or severe heel pain increases. Seek urgent help for breathing trouble, facial swelling, fainting, or a rapidly worsening allergic reaction. New weakness, spreading numbness, inability to bear weight, or sudden worsening after an injection needs prompt assessment.

Ask exactly where the medicine will be placed, how long to protect the foot, when exercises can restart, and which options are available if heel pain continues or returns.