What is the absolutely best way to treat/cure plantar fasciitis? i was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and now use orthotics in my gym shoes. i also try icing and stretching, but i can't seem to eliminate symptoms. i am athletic and teach group fitness

If : If you have failed icing, stretching, nsaid's such as advil, (ibuprofen) taping, and physical therapy, then you may need injection therapy such as steroid injections. You could also consider extracorporeal shock wave therapy though it is a controversial therapy.

I : I can't tell you what would be the best treatment option for you. However, you sound like you are active. A great approach that is pretty non- invasive, does not require a scapel or drugs is medical acupuncture. Auricular (ear); chinese scalp and localized treatments could be very benefical for you.

Given : Given that so many conservative measures have failed you, i would question the diagnosis at this point. There are many other causes of heel pain besides plantar fasciitis, including stress fractures and inflammation related to an underlying arthritic condition. Given the assumption you actually do have plantar fasciitis, we have learned some things recently that we didn't know before. The two most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis are injections and wearing a night splint. In fact, the injections have been shown to be almost equally effective whether a steroid is injected, or just plain local anesthesia. The other two well-established treatments are some sort of arch support device and calf stretching. In fact, recent studies have strangely shown that over-the-counter arch supports are far more effective than custom made orthotics! given your level of activity, i would be more suspicious of a stress fracture than plantar fasciitis. Perhaps an MRI is necessary to see for certain. It's always best to get an accurate diagnosis first before starting any treatment. Good luck!

See podiatrist: See the professional. I am an endurance athlete (also 60) and had severe pf. I had an injection, a boot to sleep in, exercises, anti-inflammatories, and one month off from running. I got better, but it took time. You must take time off. You need to look at the long haul. See the podiatrist, and follow the recommendation ! good luck.

Combo treatment. : If you have plantar fasciitis, and hurt most with the first few steps in the morning, the more you can do together, the better: #1: supportive shoes. #2: firm inserts or orthotics. #3: oral antiinflammatories (check with your doctor). #4: stretching your foot and calf. #5: icing (10 min at a time). You may also need physical therapy or cortisone injections, or eswt if available in your area.

Protocol...: I'd say 98% of my plantar fascitis patients respond to non-surgical treatments... Rest, supportive insoles, rx orthotics, otc anti-inflammatories (like aleve), prescription nsaid's, steroid injections, prp injections, physical therapy, etc... If all else fails... Surgery.

Plantar fasciitis: There is no one best way to treat this condition. Other docs have listed the options , so read their answers , too. Surgery is an option but should be your last option. In my practice I am about 99% successful with conservative care - so give it a good chance . Best of luck.