Just chiming in with another personal experience: I had PF way back in college when I was running a lot and treated it with stretching and rolling my foot over a tennis ball. I was probably also taking ibuprofen for my knees. I have flat feet, so I tend to develop problems associated with bad foot mechanics. The PF pain was probably an issue for me for 1-2 years, and then I think with better conditioning and keeping in the habit of stretching on a daily basis it stopped bothering me.

Many years later I got custom orthotics which were partially paid for by insurance. I've had them for 8 years and while I don't run as much as I used to, there is definitely a difference in how I feel after a run or a hike if I have my orthotics vs. just the insole that came with my shoes.