Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is treated by measures that decrease the associated inflammation and avoid reinjury. Local ice massage applications both reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy methods, including stretching exercises, are used to treat and prevent plantar fasciitis. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or cortisone injections, are often helpful. Sports running shoes with soft, cushioned soles can be helpful in reducing irritation of inflamed tissues from plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotic shoe inserts are used to reduce the excess motion of the foot and decrease strain to the plantar fascia. Infrequently, surgery is performed on chronically inflamed plantar fascia (plantar fasciosis) if conservative treatments fail. Newer treatments for these cases such as cobaltion, PRP, prolotherapy, ESWT, and micro-debridement are utilized as well.