What is a common conservative treatment option for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, often leads to significant heel pain. A common conservative treatment option is rest, which allows the inflamed tissue time to heal and reduces strain on the plantar fascia. By minimizing activities that exacerbate the pain—such as walking or standing for prolonged periods—patients can gradually alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Rest can be complemented by other conservative measures, including ice application, stretching exercises, and the use of supportive footwear or orthotics. These methods work synergistically to relieve pain while allowing the inflammation to subside.

Injection therapy and surgical intervention are typically reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment after a significant duration. Continuous physical therapy may be beneficial, but it often follows an initial period of rest, making it less appropriate as a standalone conservative treatment option. Therefore, rest is the cornerstone of conservative management for plantar fasciitis.