Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the pain pattern, particularly heel tenderness and whether movement of the foot or ankle is affected. The doctor may assess how you walk and check your foot mechanics to identify factors that could be placing extra strain on the plantar fascia.

Imaging is not always needed, but an X-ray may be advised to rule out fractures or other bone problems, while an ultrasound can show changes or thickening of the plantar fascia. An MRI scan may be recommended when the diagnosis is unclear, symptoms continue despite treatment, or another soft-tissue condition needs to be ruled out.

Types of Plantar Fasciitis and Their Treatment

The following are the types of plantar fasciitis and the treatment approaches doctors might recommend:

How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated Based on Stages?

Plantar fasciitis can be classified into four stages, and each stage requires different treatment, which is as follows:

Topical Medications for Plantar Fasciitis

Topical medicines do not repair the plantar fascia, but they can make pain easier to manage while the foot recovers. Some of the topical medications for plantar fasciitis include:

Note: Topical medicines should be used according to medical advice, particularly if the skin is damaged or if other pain medicines are being taken.

Other Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

If basic steps are not enough, plantar fasciitis treatment usually shifts to physical therapy. It involves calf and plantar fascia stretches, strengthening exercises, and movement training. Orthotics can also help by giving extra support and spreading pressure more evenly across your foot.

Wearing night splints while you sleep can gently stretch your plantar fascia and calf muscles, which may help ease morning pain. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor might recommend a corticosteroid injection for short-term relief. However, these injections are used with caution because excessive use can weaken the plantar fascia.

For cases that do not respond to basic treatments, shockwave therapy may be tried. Surgery is usually only an option for severe pain that does not get better after a long time with non-surgical treatments.

Oral Medications for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

The following oral medicines may be recommended to manage plantar fasciitis symptoms:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others): May reduce heel pain and inflammation in suitable patients.

• Naproxen sodium (Aleve): Another NSAID that may provide longer-lasting pain relief.

• Paracetamol: Can be used for pain relief when NSAIDs are unsuitable.

• Other Pain Relievers: May occasionally be recommended, depending on symptom severity and individual health conditions.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Along with your regular treatment, the following Ayurvedic and complementary treatment options can help with plantar fasciitis:

• Shamana Chikitsa: This involves Ayurvedic medicines and formulations to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and support musculoskeletal health.

• Agnikarma: A para-surgical Ayurvedic procedure in which controlled heat is applied to tender points of the heel to help relieve pain and improve local circulation.

• Ayurvedic Oils and Herbal Preparations: Oils such as Panchguna Taila and formulations such as Dashamoola Kashaya and Kaishore Guggulu may be used as part of an Ayurvedic treatment plan for pain and inflammation.

• Yoga: Practising certain low-impact yoga poses may improve your flexibility and the way your body moves.

Note: Avoid applying untested herbal preparations to painful or irritated skin without medical advice.

Home Care for Managing Plantar Fasciitis

The following home care tips can help ease pain, and manage discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis:

• Make it a habit to stretch your calf muscles and the bottom of your foot regularly.

• Prioritise adequate rest and sleep to support body-wide tissue recovery.

• Choose shoes that offer good support and plenty of cushioning.

• Replace old or worn-out athletic shoes.

• If it helps, put some ice on your foot after being active to ease any discomfort.

• Try to cut back on activities that make your pain worse.

Latest Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis in India

Recent treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis increasingly focus on reducing pain and improving foot movement and function through non-surgical methods.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, taping, local vibration, and dry needling with electrotherapy may help reduce pain and improve foot mobility. If basic treatments are not working, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and micro-invasive ultrasonic tissue repair (Tenex) can also be considered to promote healing before opting for traditional surgery.

How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Take?

Plantar fasciitis is a temporary condition that typically resolves within a few weeks or months. Here are the approximate plantar fasciitis treatment durations:

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Side Effects

Various medicines used for plantar fasciitis may cause the following side effects:

• Stomach irritation

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Skin irritation

• Temporary increase in pain

• Bruising after an injection

• Weakening of the plantar fascia after repeated corticosteroid injections

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Plantar Fasciitis

Building supportive habits can help manage plantar fasciitis. Some of these healthy habits are:

• Choose comfortable, supportive footwear.

• Avoid prolonged standing when possible.

• Stretch before and after exercise.

• Increase exercise intensity gradually.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Avoid sudden increases in running or walking distance.

• Strengthen the feet and lower legs.

Factors That Can Worsen Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Certain triggers can make symptoms of plantar fasciitis worse. These include:

• Standing for long periods of time.

• Running on hard surfaces.

• Suddenly increasing your level of exercise.

• Walking barefoot on hard floors.

• Wearing shoes that do not provide enough support.

• Having tight calf muscles.

• Being overweight.

• Having problems with foot alignment or movement.

• Keeping up with high-impact exercise even as pain increases.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Cost

Basic treatment usually involves physiotherapy and supportive care. Doctors start by recommending evidence-based options like physical therapy that cost ₹500 to ₹2,000 per session. When plantar fasciitis becomes chronic and conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief, doctors suggest plantar fascia release surgery, which may cost around ₹30,000 to ₹70,000. For non-invasive recovery, shockwave therapy (ESWT) ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹18,000 for a full course. The final expense can vary according to the hospital, surgeon, procedure, and complexity of the case.

Does Health Insurance Cover Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in India?

Yes, many health insurance policies include coverage for plantar fasciitis treatment, depending on the policy terms and conditions. The policy covers inpatient hospitalisation and pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Some policies also cover physical therapy sessions, PRP injections, and diagnostic tests through the OPD cover.

Plantar fasciitis treatment can be costly because the condition needs ongoing management and care. Hence, surgeries like plantar fascia release surgery and shockwave therapy can add to the cost. A sum insured of at least ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh can help manage surgical and other treatment expenses.

Disclaimer: Review the policy documents carefully to understand the exact coverage, as the inclusions, exclusions, and other terms can differ between policies.