Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Cured?

Plantar fasciitis is one of those conditions that sounds minor until you have it—and then, every step is a sharp reminder that your foot is angry. If you're dealing with heel pain, especially that classic stabbing feeling first thing in the morning, there's a good chance plantar fasciitis is the culprit. But the big question is: can it actually be cured? At its core, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This tissue supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. When it's overused, overstressed, or injured, small tears can form, leading to pain and inflammation.

There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all answer to what causes plantar fasciitis, but there are a number of common risk factors that include overuse or repetitive strain which is common in runners, dancers, or anyone on their feet all day. Foot mechanical issues such as flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal gait can all shift pressure onto the fascia. Inadequate footwear such as shoes with poor arch support or thin soles are a major risk factor. Weight gain can be a factor as more weight creates more strain on your feet. Aging may also be an issue as the bodies tissues becomes less elastic over time.

Can It Be Cured? The short answer: Yes—but with caveats. Plantar fasciitis is highly treatable, and in most cases, symptoms resolve with the right approach. However, it often requires consistent effort, patience, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. The conservative treatments are most effective for most people. The first approach is rest and activity modification. This is basic but essential. Avoid activities that aggravate your foot. You don’t have to stop moving altogether—just stop pushing through the pain. Also, key are stretching and strengthening exercises. These are absolutely key. Daily stretching of the calves and plantar fascia can relieve tension and help healing. Foot-strengthening exercises (like toe curls or towel scrunches) also help long-term. Footwear upgrades and orthotics are also important. Supportive shoes are non-negotiable. Look for firm arch support and shock-absorbing soles. Custom or over-the-counter orthotics can do wonders. Regular ice massage or a frozen water bottle roll can bring down inflammation. NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help in the short term. Night splints keep your foot in a stretched position overnight, helping to prevent that morning agony. Not everyone can tolerate night splints, but they are useful.

If those measures do not help, the a physical therapist can provide more targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or taping techniques. A physician can also give a corticosteroid injections which can relieve pain quickly—but they come with risks if overused (like weakening the fascia). Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s an option. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are still experimental, but some evidence suggests it can help with chronic cases. Surgery should be considered a last resort. Only about 5-10% of cases ever get to this point. It involves partially releasing the plantar fascia—but recovery is slow, and success rates vary.

How long does recovery take? This will partly depend on how early you start treatment and how consistent you are. Many people start feeling significantly better in 6–12 weeks, while more stubborn cases can take 6–12 months. The key is not to rush it and stay committed to the process. So, can plantar fasciitis be cured? Absolutely—but it’s not a one-pill-and-done kind of deal. It requires consistency, lifestyle tweaks, and sometimes professional help. The good news is that the vast majority of people recover fully without needing surgery. Treat your feet right, and they’ll usually return the favor.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.