How to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Co-authored by Mark Co, DPM

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It can be torn, stretched, or injured and become inflamed. Once inflamed, the condition is called plantar fasciitis.^{[1]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you have injured your plantar fascia, you can learn how to relieve the pain.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Home Remedies to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

1
Rest your foot. One of the best ways to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis is to rest it. This means staying off of it as much as you can. When you are home or at work, try to stay seated and only walk on it if you have to. You might consider using crutches for a few days to take all pressure off the foot.^{[2]
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American Academy of Family Physicians
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- If you usually do exercises that use your foot, consider doing something different, like swimming or weight lifting.
2
Use a foot support. An arch support can help distribute the pressure of your foot in an even way, which can take the extra stress off your plantar fascia. You can also use a heel cup. ^{[3]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} You can get an arch support without a prescription at many drug stores, medical supply stores, and pharmacies.
- Examples of arch supports that come with a soft cushion are Spenco and Cross Trainers. For some people, a custom-made support may be needed. These can be acquired through your doctor.
- You can also see a podiatrist to get a custom orthotic that will support your arch and foot ligaments.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mark Co, DPM
  Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- When you're choosing shoes, look for a sturdy shoe with a modest heel, maybe 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm). Make sure the shoe doesn't twist and turn—if the shoe bends, it should only be at the widest part of the shoe, near the toe box.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mark Co, DPM
  Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
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3
Use an ice pack. Ice is helpful with plantar fasciitis pain because it works to reduce inflammation. You can use an ice pack on the bottom of your foot for 20 minutes three to four times a day. You can also try using an ice bath, which is where you soak your foot in an ice and water mixture for about ten to fifteen minutes.^{[6]
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American Academy of Family Physicians
Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities
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- Make sure to place a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin.
- Heat generally doesn't help plantar fasciitis pain, but if the ice doesn't help, you can try a heating pad after a couple days to see if it will relieve pain.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Stretching to Relieve Foot Pain

1
Do a wall stretch. This stretch helps to lengthen and stretch your arch and Achilles tendon. Start by leaning forward against a wall, keeping one knee straight and the same leg's heel flat on the ground. Bend your other knee. You will feel the Achilles tendon and foot arch on the straight leg stretch as you lean forward.^{[7]
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- Hold this pose for 10 seconds. Then, relax and straighten up. Repeat 20 times with both legs.
- Plantar fasciitis pain is actually caused by tight muscles in your calf, which is where your Achilles tendon originates.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Miguel Cunha, DPM
  Board Certified Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 1 February 2020.} Stretching your Achilles tendon can help relieve your pain, especially if you do it before and after you exercise.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mark Co, DPM
  Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
2
Perform a squat stretch. This stretch also focuses on your arch and tendons. Lean forward onto a counter top. Spread your feet shoulder width apart, keeping one foot in front of the other. Bend your knees and slowly squat down. Try to keep your heels on the ground for as long as you can.^{[10]
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- You will feel your Achilles tendon and foot arch stretch as you squat down.
- Hold the squat for 10 to 15 seconds. Then, relax and straighten up.
- Repeat 20 to 25 times.
3
Stretch the sole of your foot with your hands. This stretch helps to lengthen the plantar fascia and is similar to what you will do if you wrap your foot. Cross whichever leg is affected over your other leg. Using the hand on the same side as the hurt foot, grab the sore foot and gently pull your toes back towards your shin.^{[11]
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Research source}
- This creates some tension or stretch in the arch of the foot and at the plantar fascia.
- Hold this stretch for 10 to 20 seconds and repeat 10 times. You can also massage the arch with your thumb, which can help break down any scar tissue that's causing you pain.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Miguel Cunha, DPM
  Board Certified Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 1 February 2020.}
4
Do all foot stretches gently. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society recommends doing stretches that target your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to help treat plantar fasciitis and reduce the risk of a recurring injury. For these exercises, make certain you move slowly, gently, and smoothly. Don't make any quick movements because this may re-injure the plantar fascia.^{[13]
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Research source}
- Repeat these exercises at least three times a day. Do these stretches especially after you have been sitting for a long time and when you get out of bed in the morning, when plantar fasciitis pain tends to be worst. Look for other times that you can incorporate stretching into your schedule, as well, like when you're having a meal or brushing your teeth.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Miguel Cunha, DPM
  Board Certified Podiatrist
  Expert Interview. 1 May 2020.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Wrapping Your Foot to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain

1
Sit in a comfortable position. The first thing you need to do when wrapping your foot is to get into a comfortable position. You can rest the affected foot on the opposite knee if that is comfortable. Make sure you have good access to your foot so you can stretch it and wrap it properly.^{[15]
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Research source}
- Wrapping your foot can reduce the pain in your foot by keeping it stretched. It also helps minimize any stress and inflammation. There are night splints available at most medical supply stores, but you can often replicate these for much less money.
2
Wrap the bandage around your ankle. Gently pull your toes up toward your head. You should feel a light stretch, but no serious pain. Place one end of the elastic bandage on the top of your foot. Keeping your foot flexed, wrap the elastic band around your foot. Then bring it around your ankle.
- The main goal of wrapping your foot is to keep the foot flexed with the toes pointing or pulled toward your head until you feel a stretch in the bottom of your foot. Remember this should only be a gentle stretch.
3
Continue wrapping the bandage around your foot. After one wrap around your ankle, loop the elastic bandage back to your foot. Fold the bandage and slip the folded bandage between your big toe and first toe. Then pull the bandage back to the ankle. Continue wrapping around your ankle, tucking the end of the elastic bandage under the wrapped bandage when you are finished.
- Make sure you keep your foot flexed with toes pointed toward your head during the entire process.
- You don't have to wrap tightly. The point of the elastic bandage is not to compress but to keep your foot flexed and the plantar fascia gently stretched.
- Be careful when standing up or getting out of bed. Do this slowly.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Treating Plantar Fasciitis Pain Medically

1
Use OTC pain medications. A common way to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis is to take over-the-counter pain medication. You can use OTC anti-inflammatory medications to help decrease the inflammation and the pain in your foot. These medications include Ibuprofen, such as Advil and Motrin, and Naproxen, like Aleve.^{[16]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Use the medication only as directed on the package. You can take these medications for up to two weeks.
2
Try corticosteroids. If you have plantar fasciitis pain that doesn't respond to any of the home treatments, you may want to see your doctor. Your doctor may suggest corticosteroids if you have pain that just won't go away. Usually, these injections work better if done early; however, doctors usually only administer them in more severe cases.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Family Physicians
Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities
Go to source}
- Your doctor will probably suggest other at-home methods before giving you these injections.
- Multiple shots are not recommended. This can weaken your plantar fascia or diminish the pad that covers your heel bone.
- Before you get an injection, you will have to get a radiograph of the food.
3
Undergo surgery. In the most severe cases where the pain doesn't decrease and the plantar fascia doesn't heal with other treatments, a physician may suggest surgery. In the surgery, a surgeon will release your plantar fascia from the heel bone. This is the last resort option for pain.^{[18]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you undergo this surgery, you may end up with a weakened foot arch.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I treat plantar fasciitis at home?

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

Mark Co, DPM

Podiatrist

Expert Answer

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Stretch your calf and Achilles tendon to relieve the pain. Try laying on the bed with your knees straight and your legs extended. Put a towel, belt, or band underneath your forefoot and gently pull your foot upward to stretch your Achilles tendon. You can also use a topical balm for muscle pain each night before you go to sleep, like Tiger Balm or Icy Hot.
Question

How can I avoid getting plantar fasciitis?

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

Mark Co, DPM

Podiatrist

Expert Answer

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Although the pain is often felt in the bottom of your foot and your heel, plantar fasciitis is actually caused by tight muscles in your calf. Stretch your calf muscles, especially before and after you exercise, and choose sturdy shoes with good arch support.
Question

Why does stretching my legs help my foot feel better?

Miguel Cunha, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder of Gotham Footcare and is a podiatrist based in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Cunha is a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cunha received his DPM from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency as the Chief Resident at the Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University where he specialized in lower extremity trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. Dr. Cunha is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the New York Podiatric Medical Association, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and is board certified in Podiatric Medicine.

Miguel Cunha, DPM

Board Certified Podiatrist

Expert Answer

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Your Achilles tendon originates in your calf. If your Achilles tendon is tight, you'll be more likely to experience plantar fasciitis.