Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Plantar fasciitis

Table of Contents

Treatment

Conservative treatment is almost always successful, given enough time. Treatment can last from several months to 2 years before symptoms get better. Most patients will be better in 9 months.

Initial treatment usually consists of:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Heel stretching exercises

To relieve plantar fasciitis:

  • Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 - 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.
  • Rest as much as possible for at least a week.
  • Take acetamin for pain or ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.
  • Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or an orthotic device.
  • Use night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal.
  • Wear properly fitting shoes.

If these fail, putting the affected foot in a short leg cast (a cast up to but not above the knee) for 3 - 6 weeks is often successful in reducing pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a cast boot (which looks like a ski boot) may be used. It is still worn full time, but can be removed for bathing.

Some physicians will offer steroid injections, which can provide lasting relief in many people. However, this injection is very painful and not for everyone.

In a few patients, nonsurgical treatment fails and surgery to release the tight, inflamed fascia becomes necessary.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Nearly all patients will improve within 1 year of beginning nonsurgical therapy, with no long-term problems. Most of the few patients who need surgery get relief from their heel pain.


Complications

Complications with surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Nerve injury
  • No improvement in pain
  • Rupture of the plantar fascia

With other treatments, a complication is continued pain.


Calling your health care provider

Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis.


Review Date: 06/13/2010
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)