Plantar Fasciitis: Resuming Your Training

Plantar fasciitis in athletes is often the result of overtraining. You will need to reduce your level of activity. Or you will need to switch to another type of activity that puts less stress on your feet. This, combined with stretching, anti-inflammatory drugs, and making sure that you have good-quality shoes, will…

Plantar Fasciitis: Resuming Your Training

Topic Overview

Plantar fasciitis in athletes is often the result of overtraining. You will need to reduce your level of activity. Or you will need to switch to another type of activity that puts less stress on your feet. This, combined with stretching, anti-inflammatory drugs, and making sure that you have good-quality shoes, will usually allow your condition to improve. It may take several months for your pain to go away completely. If you continue to have symptoms after several months of treatment, you and your doctor may also consider corticosteroid shots and even surgery.

When your pain and tenderness have gone away, increase your activity level gradually. You may be able to start exercises such as cycling and swimming before you can add walking or running. Consider using an orthotic device in your shoe. If symptoms of plantar fasciitis do not come back, you may return to full activity. It usually takes at least several weeks before you can return to running.footnote 1

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. Wapner KL, Parekh SG (2010). Heel pain. In JC DeLee et al., eds., DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, 3rd ed., vol. 2, pp. 2030–2056. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.

Credits

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Gavin W. G. Chalmers, DPM, FACFAS – Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.