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Plantar fasciitis - Management
What advice should I give to a person with plantar fasciitis?
- Advise that most people with plantar fasciitis will make a complete recovery within 1 year.
- Advise conservative measures, which may improve healing and reduce the frequency of attacks:
- Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioned heels (such as laced sports shoes) and avoid walking barefoot. Insoles and heel pads to insert in the shoe can be purchased, with the aim of correcting foot pronation (however 'magnetic' devices should be avoided).
- Rest the foot (that is, avoid standing or walking for long periods) where possible. However, specific stretching exercises may be tried to relieve symptoms and improve healing.
- Lose weight (if overweight) to prevent future episodes.
- For symptomatic relief, advise applying an icepack (covered with a towel) to the foot for 15–20 minutes, and use appropriate analgesia.
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