What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot injury that is caused by repetitive strain to the plantar fascia. The symptoms of this condition include:

• A stabbing pain in your heel when you first step out of bed in the morning or after sitting or lying down for a long time.
• Worsening pain at the end of the day or after spending long periods on your feet.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by several factors, such as constant stress to the feet, being overweight, tightness of Achilles tendon, increase in activity level, unsuitable footwear, rheumatic conditions, and high arched or flat feet.

Note: Heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis, although you can have both conditions at the same time.

Learn how to differentiate sprain vs. strains in this article, which compares the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, causes, and much more!

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Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis can usually be treated at home. Recovery may take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. Surgery is typically a last resort treatment – 90% of people can recover with conservative treatment.

Home Remedies

Plantar fasciitis is initially treated at home with the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method and anti-inflammatories. Here are a few ways to manage and treat this condition: 

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Rest your foot: Avoid high-impact activities, especially running or standing for prolonged periods.
• Icing your foot: Apply an ice pack to your heel for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
• Wearing supportive shoes: Choose footwear with arch support and cushioning, and avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
• Orthotics or shoe inserts: These can redistribute pressure and support the arch.
• Physical therapy: Simple stretches and massage techniques help to improve flexibility and strengthen the foot and calf muscles.

Clinical Treatments

Your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatments: 

• Immobilisation: A walking boot or brace may be used to rest the foot and allow healing.
• Corticosteroids: Injected directly into the heel, these can offer short-term pain relief.
• Platelet rich plasma (PRP): A regenerative treatment using your own blood to promote healing.
• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT): A non-invasive procedure using sound waves to stimulate tissue repair.
• Percutaneous needle tenotomy: Involves using a needle to stimulate blood flow and break up scar tissue in the fascia.
• Plantar fasciitis treatment:

• Gastrocnemius recession: Lengthening of the calf muscle to reduce tension.
• Plantar fascial release: Involves cutting part of the fascia to relieve tension and inflammation.

To understand your options, consult your healthcare provider. They may assess your condition with physical and imaging tests to determine the best course of treatment.

Life After Plantar Fasciitis Surgery

Surgery is typically considered when 6 to 12 months of conservative treatment fail to bring relief. While most patients find lasting improvement after surgery, the recovery journey can be gradual and requires commitment.

What to Expect After Surgery

Immediately after surgery, you’ll likely need to wear a walking boot or cast for 2 to 3 weeks to protect the surgical site. Crutches may be required for the first few days to avoid putting weight on the heel. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication, icing, and elevation to manage post-op discomfort and swelling.

Once the incision has healed, physical therapy becomes an essential part of recovery. Therapy helps you regain strength and flexibility, retrain your gait, and gradually restore normal movement patterns. Patients typically begin with range-of-motion exercises, progressing to strengthening and balance work over time.

Some stiffness, mild swelling, or tingling may persist for several weeks. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s guidelines during this period, including avoiding barefoot walking and high-impact activity until cleared.

How Long is the Recovery Period?

The full recovery timeline ranges between 6 to 10 weeks for minor procedures like plantar fascial release. For more involved surgeries or if there are complications, recovery may stretch up to 3 to 6 months. Athletes and active individuals may take longer to return to high-intensity training.

Is Surgery Risky?

Like any surgical procedure, plantar fasciitis surgery carries some risks—but complications are rare. Common risks include:

• Infection at the incision site
• Nerve irritation or damage (numbness or tingling in the heel)
• Over-release of the plantar fascia, which may cause instability in the foot
• Scarring or lingering heel pain

That said, most patients report excellent outcomes, especially when they complete a supervised rehabilitation program and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Exercises For Plantar Fasciitis

Exercise plays a crucial role in both recovery and prevention. The goal is to reduce tension in the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles.

Here are a few exercises to try:

Perform these stretches daily, especially before getting out of bed and after physical activity.

How to Prevent Recurrence of Plantar Fasciitis

To reduce your risk of plantar fasciitis:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet
• Wear shoes with good arch support and shock absorption
• Warm up properly before any activity, and cool down with stretches afterward
• Have enough rest between high-impact physical activities
• Avoid any activities that cause pain to your feet
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of new workouts

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Get Back on Your Feet With Island Hospital

At Island Hospital, our Orthopaedic Specialists are dedicated to helping you regain full mobility. We offer personalised treatment plans, advanced rehabilitation services, innovative research & cutting-edge techniques, & comprehensive care for both adults and children

Our renowned  Orthopedicsand Spine Centre, recognised as one of the best in the country, provides expert treatment for a wide range of conditions, including spine injuries, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis, total knee & hip replacement, tendon, nerve, & vessel repair, and sports injuries. 

Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as:

• the finalist for Malaysia’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme,
• a place on Newsweek’s lists of World’s Best Hospitals 2025, and 
• a place on Newsweek’s Best Specialised Hospitals Asia Pacific 2024 (Orthopaedic).

Don’t let an injury hold you back from living your best life – Schedule an appointment today to start your journey to recovery!

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