After you describe your symptoms and discuss your concerns, your doctor will examine your foot. Your doctor will look for these signs:
Your doctor may refer you for imaging tests to ensure that your heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis and not by another problem.
X-ray X-rays provide clear images of bones. They are useful for excluding other causes of heel pain, such as fractures or arthritis. The heel spur can be seen on an x-ray.
Other imaging tests, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound, are not routinely used to diagnose plantar fasciitis. They are rarely requested. An MRI may be requested if heel pain does not ease with initial treatment methods.
Conservative (non-surgical) treatment
More than 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will improve within 10 months starting from simple treatment methods.
Rest: Reducing or even stopping activities that make the pain worse is the first step in reducing pain. You may need to stop athletic activities where feet bear weight on a hard surface (for example, running or step aerobics).
Ice: Rolling your foot over a cold water bottle or ice for 20 minutes is effective. This can be done 3-4 times a day.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen reduce pain and inflammation. Using these medications for more than 1 month should be reviewed by your primary care doctor.
Exercises: Plantar fasciitis is aggravated by tight or strained calf muscles. Stretching exercises for the calf and plantar fascia are the most effective way to relieve pain that comes from their tension.
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| Calf Stretch |
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Lean forward against a wall with one knee straight and heel on the ground. Place the other leg in front with knee bent. To stretch the calf and heel cord, push your pelvis towards the wall in a controlled manner. Hold this position for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat this exercise 20 times for each leg. A strong pull in the leg should be felt during the stretch.
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| Plantar Fascia Stretch |
This stretch is done in a sitting position. Cross your affected leg over the knee of your other leg. Grab the toes of your painful foot and slowly pull them towards you in a controlled manner. If it’s hard to reach your foot, wrap a towel around your big toe to help pull your toes towards you. Place your other hand along the plantar fascia. The fascia should feel like a tight, stretched band along the bottom of your foot, when you stretch or pull it. Hold it stretched for 10 seconds. Repeat it 20 times for each leg. This exercise is best done in the morning before standing up or walking.