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Patient Questions  /  How long plantar fasciitis lasts

Foot & Ankle

How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Take to Go Away?

It varies, but it often takes several months, and sometimes up to a year. The good news is that most people get better without surgery. Starting the right care early, rather than waiting it out, often helps it settle sooner.

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Why it can take a while

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot. It takes load with every step, so it rarely gets a full rest. Tissue like this heals slowly. That’s why heel pain, often worst with your first steps in the morning, can hang around.

Things that can slow recovery include standing for long hours on hard floors, tight calf muscles, extra body weight, worn-out shoes, and suddenly doing a lot more walking or running.

What helps it get better

  • Calf and plantar fascia stretches, especially before your first steps in the morning.
  • Strengthening the calf and foot muscles, built up gradually.
  • Taping or shoe inserts for short-term relief.
  • A night splint, for some people whose morning pain is the worst part.
  • Adjusting activity, not stopping completely. Cut back on what flares it, and keep moving in ways that feel okay.

If pain hasn’t improved after a few months of good care, your doctor may talk with you about other treatment options.

Signs you’re on the right track

Recovery is rarely a straight line. Good signs include morning pain that is milder or shorter, being able to walk or stand longer before it hurts, and fewer bad days. A flare after a busy day doesn’t mean you’re back to square one.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Heel pain that started after a fall or a sudden pop
  • Numbness, tingling or burning in your foot
  • Swelling, redness or warmth in your foot, especially with fever
  • Pain at night or at rest that keeps getting worse
  • A sore or wound on your foot if you have diabetes

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist confirms the cause of your heel pain, looks at how you stand and walk, and builds a stretching, strengthening and activity plan to help it settle and stay away.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Plantar fasciitis and heel pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026