Common causes of plantar fasciitis include an overload of physical activity, unusual foot mechanics such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gaits, wearing improper shoes that cause weight distribution to become impaired, or having excess body weight. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and a number of therapies can be prescribed.

REST AND RELAXATION
As hard as it seems, you will need to take it easy for the time being. Give your foot time to rest to alleviate some of the strain and inflammation responsible for the pain.

MANIPULATION
Although it sounds unthinkable during a flare-up, stretching, applying pressure, and massage therapy can help lessen the pain at its worst.

WEIGHT LOSS
Non-athletic populations with a higher body mass index (BMI) have reported a higher incidence of this condition by virtue of the weight-bearing aspect.

MOBILIZING AIDS
Wearing a foot splint can gently stretch the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon during sleep, or long periods of standing or immobility. Wearing orthotics in the shoe can also help distribute weight properly.

MEDICINAL THERAPIES
Taking anti-inflammatory medications has been shown to relieve pain, but they fail to treat the underlying cause. The injection of corticosteroids at the site of pain has been shown to improve or eliminate discomfort for many. However, prolonged and repetitive steroid use is somewhat controversial, having the unwanted consequences of weakening, deteriorating, or even tearing the plantar fascia. Patients typically receive no more than three injections before a more permanent solution is considered.

SURGERY
As the last resort for intolerable pain, the risks associated with surgery include infection, nerve injury, tear or rupture of the plantar fascia tissue, and a worsening of the pain.