The answer to the question “How long can plantar fasciitis last?” depends on a few factors, including your age and other risk factors. But most people who have plantar fasciitis recover with at-home treatments, ice and rest. If your condition is severe or you are overweight, you may need more invasive treatments.
Overuse and improper footwear are the most common causes of plantar fasciitis. But other factors can make it worse, too. Runners, people who are overweight and those with flat feet or high arches have higher risk.
Stretching and foot exercises can help relieve pain and inflammation from plantar fasciitis. Your doctor or physical therapist can show you stretches to do at home and provide tips for getting started.
You can also ice your foot several times a day to reduce inflammation and soothe soreness. Covering a frozen water bottle in a towel and rolling it along the bottom of your foot is a simple way to apply ice.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease pain and swelling. But they should be taken only for a short period of time and only after talking to a healthcare provider. If you take NSAIDs for more than 10 days, it could weaken your plantar fascia and cause it to rupture.
Walking cast or CAM walker: If your symptoms are severe, your doctor might recommend a walking cast or controlled ankle motion walker to help you walk more comfortably and prevent further damage. This treatment usually is only used when other conservative treatments have failed.
Injections: Your doctor might inject corticosteroids into your plantar fascia to relieve symptoms. They can also use steroid-loaded platelet-rich plasma from your own blood to promote tissue healing. Ultrasound imaging during injections can assist with precise needle placement.
Changes to your shoes and stretches: Try wearing shoes that have better arch support. You can also use specialty shoe inserts made by your podiatrist.
Night splint: A specially-designed splint, or night sling, can help you sleep on your side instead of your back and prevent your plantar fascia from overstretching while you sleep. Not everyone can wear a night splint, but it’s an effective way to relieve pain and prevent a flare-up while you sleep.
If a night splint doesn’t work, your doctor can prescribe a custom orthotic to support your arch and improve comfort. This will take time to wear in and get comfortable, but it can help you avoid future flare-ups.
Exercises: Your podiatrist can provide a plan for stretching your foot and calf muscles to strengthen them and decrease tension in the plantar fascia. Taking an hour or two each day to do these exercises will help your foot and heel heal faster.
Surgical intervention: If other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove a small section of your plantar fascia. This is only needed in fewer than 10% of cases, and the procedure can be done in a minimally invasive manner compared to traditional open surgeries.
