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How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Useful first-line treatments for plantar fasciitis are: resting from the activities that may be causing it, applying ice to the heel and taking pain-relief medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. For more severe pain, the use of foot orthotics, performing daily stretches and getting deep tissue massage can help reduce symptoms. If all these measures do not help, corticosteroid injections or surgery can be used.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition which causes pain in the underside of your heel. It is also known as 'jogger's heel', as it is often made worse by exercise, such as jogging.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel of your foot, especially first thing in the morning. The pain may radiate forward towards the sole of the foot. It may be worse after you have been resting.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by standing on your feet all day, being overweight, activities such as running, and having flat feet or having high arching feet. The plantar fascia runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and can degenerate, putting it at …

Who gets plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is most common in middle age and occurs more frequently in women. It is also more common in athletes, especially runners.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose plantar fasciitis by taking your full medical history and examining your foot.

Will plantar fasciitis clear on its own?

Most cases of plantar fasciitis go away within a year without treatment, and faster if treated.

What can be done at home to treat plantar fasciitis?

Stretching your foot as often as possible throughout out the day and when you wake each morning will help with plantar fasciitis. An easy exercise to try out when you are seated is rolling a can or ball around in all directions with your …

What is the outcome for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis tends to resolve within a year. Foot orthotics and gentle stretching exercises may reduce the chance of it returning.

What increases the chances of developing plantar fasciitis?

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: being over 40 years old; being female; having flat feet or high foot arches; excessive running, and; prolonged standing.

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 15 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 322 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Achilles tendonitis

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