Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on a medical history review and a physical examination. During the examination, a healthcare provider will assess areas of tenderness in the foot. The location of the pain can help determine the cause of the condition.
In most cases, imaging tests are not necessary for diagnosing plantar fasciitis. However, in some instances, an X-ray or MRI may be recommended to rule out other potential causes of the pain, such as a stress fracture.
Conservative treatments are usually effective in helping most people recover from plantar fasciitis within a few months. These treatments may include icing the affected area, performing stretching exercises, and modifying activities that worsen the pain. Shockwave therapy falls into this category and is usually the most effective.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can be used to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. Physical therapy and the use of specialized devices, such as night splints or orthotics, may also be recommended to relieve symptoms and promote healing.
If conservative measures fail to provide relief after several months, additional procedures may be considered. These can include injecting steroid medication into the tender area for temporary pain relief or using extracorporeal shock wave therapy to stimulate healing. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone, but this is typically only done when the pain is severe and other treatments have been unsuccessful.