I too had plantar facitis. After all the xrays and exam, he wrapped my foot up tightly in tape and had me wear it that way for 2 or three days. He said if it helped ease the pain that getting custom orthotics would help also. I guess it was a test. They cost around $300 and my insurance paid some. They started to help me in a few days, after I got more used to them. He also told me never to go barefoot and not to wear high heels. He did say when they were healed that I could wear some heels that were not to high, and go for some time without the orthotics. It took me a long time to get to that point. I even put some
supports in my slippers! So now its been 3 years, I still wear the orthotics most of the time, and I really try not to go barefoot.... a hard thing to do when you are around swimming pools. I do where some flip flops for cushioning.
The orthotics were the best thing for me. I feel like I am completely healed. Oh, he also told me to use New Balance shoes! I love them, cause the orthotics fit in side, and they also come in my size ! (a 12 for my flipper feet LOL)
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.