Rest and reduce activities that worsen the pain to allow the plantar fascia to heal.
Apply ice packs to the affected area several times a day to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Perform stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia to alleviate tension and promote healing.
Wear supportive footwear with good arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Consider using orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts or custom-made orthotics, to provide additional support and relieve pressure on the plantar fascia.
Use night splints to keep the foot and calf stretched during sleep, which can help reduce morning pain and stiffness.
Seek physical therapy for specific exercises, manual therapy, and techniques to alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the foot and lower leg muscles.
Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation (consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication).
Consider extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), which uses shockwaves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia when conservative treatments have been ineffective.
Corticosteroid injections may be used in certain cases to reduce pain and inflammation, but these are generally used sparingly due to potential side effects and the risk of weakening the plantar fascia.
In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option to release the plantar fascia or remove bone spurs.