Walking boot or cast for plantar fasciitis
Topic Overview
A
walking boot or cast is a nonsurgical treatment for
plantar fasciitis. Simpler treatments-such as
rest, ice, heel cups, or cushions-are usually tried before a walking
boot or cast.
Having your foot in a boot or cast for several weeks
causes some weakening of the foot, ankle, and calf muscles and some loss of
flexibility. After the boot or cast is removed, you will need some rehabilitation to
restore strength and range of motion. But a boot or cast forces you to rest your
foot. This rest may be very
helpful for relieving plantar fasciitis.
Walking boots or casts are somewhat more
expensive and inconvenient than other nonsurgical treatments. But if less expensive treatments are not helpful, you often will have many more
doctor visits. These visits add to the overall cost.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Current as ofMarch 21, 2017
Current as of:
March 21, 2017
