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}