What is a common treatment for plantar fasciitis?

Stretching exercises and rest are recognized as common treatments for plantar fasciitis because they directly address the underlying issues associated with this condition. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse, which leads to inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.

Rest allows the inflamed tissue to heal, while stretching exercises—particularly those targeting the calf muscles and the plantar fascia itself—help improve flexibility and reduce tension on the fasciitis. This combination helps alleviate pain and promotes recovery, making it a preferred approach in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

The other options, while they may be relevant to treatment considerations in certain contexts, do not align with the best practices for managing this specific condition. Taking anti-inflammatory medication may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause. Excessive walking and standing would likely exacerbate the symptoms rather than alleviate them. Immediate surgical intervention is generally reserved for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments and is not considered a common first-line approach.