Plantar Fasciitis: Treatment Options and Costs in Canada
Last reviewed 2026-09-24
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain — a sharp pain under the heel that's usually worst with the first steps in the morning. Most people get better within months with simple, consistent self-care.
Self-care that works
- Plantar fascia and calf stretches several times a day, especially before getting out of bed.
- Supportive shoes with cushioned heels; avoid going barefoot on hard floors.
- Rolling the arch over a frozen water bottle for 10–15 minutes.
- Short-term pain relief such as acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory, if safe for you (ask your pharmacist).
- Reduce high-impact activity for a while; switch to cycling or swimming.
If it doesn't improve
- Physiotherapy for a structured stretching and strengthening program.
- Heel cups or orthotics (off-the-shelf often works as well as custom for many people).
- Night splints.
- Shock-wave therapy or a corticosteroid injection for persistent cases, discussed with a clinician.
What's covered in Canada
Doctor visits are covered by your provincial health plan. Physiotherapy, chiropody/podiatry and custom orthotics are mostly not covered for working-age adults, though some provinces fund physio in limited situations (for example after hospital discharge, or for seniors and young people in Ontario). Private extended health plans often cover physio and orthotics with a referral.
Frequently asked questions
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
Most cases improve within 6–12 months with self-care; many feel better much sooner.
When should I see a doctor?
If pain follows an injury, you have numbness or swelling, or it hasn't improved after a few weeks of self-care.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not medical or financial advice. Program rules and amounts change — confirm with the official source or your pharmacist.