Treatment

Regular stretching of the calf muscles can help especially if you are sat at a desk for long periods. Resting of the foot, application of ice packs and massaging the plantar foot area can also help. In some cases orthotics can help.

Most cases respond well to steroid injection and a suitable heel pad with a hole cut in it to relieve pressure on the tendon insertion. Cushioned footwear is particularly beneficial to sufferers as the foot is adequately supported on both the heel and the mid-sole and on the arch. Laced up shoes will offer better support than open sandals. A change of shoe size can help, as can simple toe tapping exercises.

Professional advice may be needed if pain persists to rule out stress fractures and collagen disorders.

Surgery

Very few cases require surgery but of those that do, if surgery is going to be successful, it will be within one month.

Amended November 2008