If you’ve ever felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel when you get out of bed or after standing for long periods, you know how disruptive it can be. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and one of the most frustrating. Many people wonder, “Will plantar fasciitis go away on its own?” or even fear that “plantar fasciitis is permanent.”
The outcome depends on how the condition develops, how early it’s addressed, and what steps you take to protect your feet along the way. Understanding what plantar fasciitis really is, and how it heals, is the first step toward recovery.
What Exactly Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed due to overuse or strain. This leads to heel pain that’s often worst first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest.
While it’s common among runners and people who spend long hours on their feet, anyone can develop it, especially if you have flat feet, tight calves, or wear unsupportive shoes.
If standing for long hours is adding strain to your feet or worsening your heel pain, you may find helpful strategies in our blog on how to stop foot pain from standing.
Is Plantar Fasciitis Permanent?
For most people, plantar fasciitis is not permanent, but it can become a chronic condition if left untreated. Ongoing strain and inflammation can lead to scar tissue formation, which reduces flexibility and prolongs discomfort.
In some cases, untreated plantar fasciitis can start to affect surrounding areas of the foot and ankle, leading to secondary discomfort or instability. Learn more in our blog on whether plantar fasciitis can cause ankle pain.
You might start to notice that pain returns after long walks, workouts, or even after sitting too long. This is a sign that your fascia hasn’t fully healed or that you’re dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis.
The good news? Even chronic cases can be successfully treated with the right plan.
Does Plantar Fasciitis Ever Go Away on Its Own?
In many mild cases, plantar fasciitis can go away on its own with proper rest, stretching, and supportive footwear. However, this process can take weeks to months, depending on how inflamed the tissue is and how consistently you care for it.
If you ignore the pain and continue high-impact activities, the condition can worsen, leading to chronic heel pain that becomes harder to treat over time.
Here’s a general recovery timeline:
- Mild cases: 4–6 weeks with rest, stretching, and supportive shoes.
- Moderate cases: 2–3 months with conservative care.
- Severe or chronic cases: 6 months or longer, sometimes requiring medical intervention.
So, while plantar fasciitis can improve naturally, it doesn’t always go away without professional help.
How to Help Plantar Fasciitis Go Away Faster
If you’re wondering how to speed up recovery and prevent your condition from becoming permanent, here are proven steps that can make a difference:
- Stretch daily: Target your calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia with gentle stretches each morning and before bed.
- Wear supportive shoes or orthotics: Avoid walking barefoot, especially on hard floors. Your podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to relieve pressure and support the arch. For additional guidance on choosing the right footwear to support your recovery, explore our detailed blog on how to select the best shoes for foot health.
- Ice and rest your feet: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes after activity to reduce inflammation. Rest whenever possible to avoid further strain.
- Address biomechanical issues: Flat feet, tight calves, and poor gait mechanics can all contribute to ongoing pain. A podiatrist can assess and correct these underlying causes.
- Consider advanced treatments if pain persists: At Fall Creek Foot & Ankle, we offer innovative solutions that promote faster healing and long-term relief. These treatments are safe when performed by licensed podiatric specialists and can dramatically improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
When to See a Podiatrist
If heel pain has lasted more than a few weeks, or if it’s interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to seek professional care. A podiatrist can determine whether your plantar fasciitis will go away on its own or if you’re developing a chronic condition that requires medical intervention.
They’ll evaluate your foot structure, activity level, and overall health to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you heal and prevent recurrence.
So, does plantar fasciitis ever go away?
Yes, in many cases it does, especially when caught early and treated properly. But if you’ve been waiting for it to heal on its own and still feel pain after several weeks, it’s time to take action.
At Fall Creek Foot & Ankle, our specialists can help determine whether your plantar fasciitis is temporary or chronic and guide you toward the most effective treatments to restore your comfort and mobility. Book your appointment now!