Can Plantar Fasciitis Go Away on Its Own?
You may have plantar fasciitis if you are experiencing chronic pain in the bottom of the foot or heel. This condition is a degenerative problem of the heel and foot and is usually more common in people with high arches or flat feet. People constantly on their feet are also more likely to develop the problem. You may want to try icing the foot to reduce the pain.
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle. In addition to these, non-medical treatments may include injections and surgery. While there is no cure for this condition, certain medications can ease the pain and reduce inflammation.
Some of these include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Other medications may include cox-2 inhibitors and steroid injections.
The most commonly used treatment for plantar fasciitis is corticosteroid injections. Although they can help reduce pain, these injections are often ineffective in chronic cases. There is also a high risk of complications, including heel pad atrophy and rupture of the plantar fascia. To decrease these risks, physicians may prefer to perform the injections using ultrasound.
Cortisone injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but they are not a cure. Treatment should address the root cause of this condition. Poor posture, excessive weight on the feet, and weak muscles can all contribute to plantar fasciitis. Changing your lifestyle and using the right footwear and arch supports can help short-circuit the condition and lead to a faster recovery.
Surgical procedures may be an option for some cases of plantar fasciitis. This procedure, called gastrocnemius tendon release or gastrocnemius recession, detaches the plantar fascia from the heel bone. While this procedure has a relatively low risk of complications, it is not the best option for everyone.
Shock wave therapy is an alternative therapy that can effectively reduce pain from plantar fasciitis. Shock wave therapy is effective in 44% to 80% of plantar fasciitis patients. Shock wave treatments are best used with other treatments, such as physical therapy.
The most effective treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on addressing the underlying causes. The most common causes are diabetes, tight calf muscles, and repetitive heel impact. Most patients will experience relief from conservative treatments within 12 to 18 months. Often, conservative treatments include rest and reduced activity.
- Immediately relieves plantar fasciitis heel pain from plantar fasciitis & heel spurs treating pain directly at the source. Prevents plantar fasciitis from coming back.
- Distributes foot pressure evenly across the foot, reducing pressure from the forefoot to the heel as you walk.
- Shock-absorbing deep heel cup manages heel inflammation, reduces stress and provides both cushioning and stability to the foot. Arch support hugs your foot in just the right spot to stop the plantar fascia from overstretching. Provides support across arch types, including high arches.
- Reduces morning plantar fasciitis pain.
- Full-length insole that can be easily trimmed to fit your shoe size.
Last update on 2026-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
A physical examination and medical history can help doctors diagnose plantar fasciitis. Physical examinations will also help rule out other causes of foot pain, including fractures. Some patients will need X-rays to rule out other conditions. Although most people with plantar fasciitis don’t require treatment, some will need some kind of treatment to reduce pain and restore normal function. Some of the treatments for plantar fasciitis are effective and can be performed at home.
Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve symptoms. These can include aspirin and ibuprofen. If these are not effective, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication. Although these medications are helpful for a short time, they are not a permanent cure for plantar fasciitis. Additional treatment options include stretching, ice treatments, and orthotics.
The pain usually begins in the heel area and can gradually increase in intensity. Sometimes, it can be sudden, especially after stepping on something hard or jumping from a height. The pain is often most severe in the morning, but it may come and go throughout the day. If it persists, it may signify a more severe case. Depending on the severity, plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition. If the pain is accompanied by stiffness and swelling, the condition may require surgery.
Home treatment options for plantar fasciitis include applying ice packs to the affected areas for 15 to 20 minutes three times daily. These treatments may help reduce swelling and help you resume normal activity. Alternatively, wearing supportive shoes or flip-flops with built-in arch support is recommended. Avoid wearing bare feet, as this can aggravate the condition. Some people may benefit from wearing a night splint that keeps the foot at a 90-degree angle while sleeping, which may lessen the pain in the morning.
Another home treatment option is applying massages with sports cream to the affected area.
Plantar fasciitis is a common orthopedic foot problem, affecting about one in 10 people. It is most common among athletes and overweight middle-aged women. The cause of plantar fasciitis is still unknown, but some factors can increase your risk of developing the condition.
- [1] Do you suffer from varying degrees of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, foot drop or Achilles tendonitis? Are they causing you pain and discomfort, or even preventing you from sleeping at night? The Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint keeps your foot extended while you sleep and relieves the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, including flat arches, foot drop, heel spurs and more! Perfect for plantar fasciitis relief.
- [2] The 2-piece configuration allows your feet to feel the soothing effects of the Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint at the same time. Measure the circumference of your ankle to fit 8.0 – 15.0 inches (20.3 – 38.1 cm) to better wrap and immobilize your ankle. Always consult your doctor in case of pain, swelling or unusual reaction.
- [3] The bendable lightweight aluminum bar at the instep of our Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint keeps your feet at a 90-degree angle and maintains a flexed foot position. The newly designed three elastic straps allow you to freely adjust the bending angle for more stability. This will help you get the rest you deserve and enough sleep!
- [4] Comfortable and breathable material with maximum foam padding in the dorsal foot position, the fit feels smooth and allows you to sleep comfortably all night long and wake up in the morning feeling pain-free from plantar fasciitis. This amazing Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint is made of high quality, highly durable and stretchy fabric that is lightweight, breathable, 100% skin-friendly, comfortable and easy to wash .
- [5] The bendable lightweight aluminum bar at the instep of our plantar fasciitis night splint keeps your feet at a 90-degree angle and maintains a flexed foot position. The newly designed three elastic straps allow you to freely adjust the bending angle for more stability. This will help you get the rest and adequate sleep you deserve.
Last update on 2026-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you should see a doctor for plantar fasciitis
If you are experiencing pain in your heel, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Over-the-counter medications and stretching are not always enough to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. A doctor can offer advice on treatment options and help you get back into your training as soon as possible.
Your physician will first examine your foot and perform a physical exam. He will also look for numbness and fever in the area of pain. If you are experiencing pain that does not disappear after a few days or is worsening with weight on your feet, it’s time to get a diagnosis. In addition to the examination, a doctor may order X-rays of your foot to rule out other causes, such as stress fractures.
If you experience persistent pain in the heel, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The pain may be caused by various things, such as stress fractures, which mimic plantar fasciitis and have long-term consequences. Moreover, some people mistake plantar fasciitis for Achilles tendinitis or gout. Either way, chronic pain in the heel can be incredibly painful and difficult to alleviate.
The pain in your heel is the primary symptom of plantar fasciitis. It may be most intense in the morning or after an activity like walking. It can even worsen after standing or jumping for long periods. Fortunately, you can prevent this condition from developing with proper footwear.
Your primary care physician can refer you to an orthopedic doctor with specialized training in treating this condition. However, your doctor may require you to see your primary care physician before you can get treatment. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Other options for treatment include shock wave therapy, which uses microscopic shock waves to promote healing in the fascia.
If it goes away on its own
Home treatments and rest for the affected foot can help alleviate the symptoms, but treatment may be necessary if symptoms persist. A visit to a podiatrist or orthopedist can help rule out underlying conditions and recommend treatment options. It is also essential to stay consistent with your care routine.
Typically, plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and arch area. The pain may be sharp or feel like a bruise. The pain may go away after resting, but it may reappear after prolonged walking. In rare cases, the pain may radiate into the foot and ankle.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis is necessary if the pain is persistent or if it is chronic. NSAIDs can help ease inflammation and pain. Conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis is generally sufficient for most people. However, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist beyond six weeks.
A podiatrist can prescribe orthotics to alleviate the pain. The orthotics provide added stability and cushion to the foot, minimizing the risk of chronic heel pain. Proper footwear is also essential to your recovery and foot health. While most cases are treatable by changing your lifestyle, a podiatrist can recommend other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, radial shockwave therapy, and radiofrequency nerve ablation.
If you experience plantar fasciitis, seek treatment as soon as possible. While it is important to rest the feet, too much activity can worsen the condition. If it is left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic and worse. Surgery is often the last option, but prompt treatment and consistency with treatment can help avoid surgery altogether.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis usually include pain at the base of the heel and arch. This pain is often severe, especially in the morning or after rest. The pain can be erratic, with periods where there is no pain. If the pain does not improve, it may be due to a tear in the fascia.
Home treatment for plantar fasciitis includes wearing supportive shoes and stretching the foot. Avoid walking barefoot, if possible. A doctor can prescribe aggressive measures, including steroid injections or surgery. You can try rest and stretching exercises and take extra precautions to avoid aggravating the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight may also help.
