Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we treat. Our specialists accurately diagnose whether it is plantar fasciitis, a heel spur or another cause — and provide effective treatment focused on lasting improvement.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, particularly in runners, people who stand for long periods, and those returning to exercise after a break.
The pain is typically sharpest with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest, and may ease with walking before returning after prolonged activity. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic condition that significantly impacts daily life and exercise.
At Podiatry Clinics, we carry out a thorough biomechanical assessment to identify the contributing factors — whether that is gait mechanics, footwear, training load or foot posture — and build a treatment plan around them.
Who commonly gets plantar fasciitis?
- Runners and active people who have recently increased training load
- People who spend long hours on their feet at work
- Those returning to exercise after a period of inactivity
- People with high arches, flat feet or altered foot mechanics
- Anyone whose footwear does not adequately support their gait
Common Symptoms
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis can present in slightly different ways, but these are the most common patterns.
Sharp Morning Pain
Intense heel pain with the first steps of the day, often easing slightly after a few minutes of walking as the tissue warms up.
Pain After Rest
Discomfort returning or worsening after sitting or standing still for a period — common after long car journeys or desk work.
Gradual Worsening with Activity
Pain that increases with prolonged standing, walking or running — particularly during or after exercise or long days on your feet.
Common Causes
Plantar fasciitis is usually the result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
Biomechanical Factors
Overpronation, high arches or flat feet that increase strain on the plantar fascia during walking or running.
Training Load
A sudden increase in activity, mileage or time on your feet — particularly common when returning to running after a break.
Footwear
Insufficient cushioning or support, worn-out soles, or footwear that does not suit your foot type or gait pattern.
What Happens at Your Appointment
A structured clinical assessment designed to identify the true cause of your heel pain and build the right treatment plan.
Case History
A detailed discussion of your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, your activity levels and footwear.
Biomechanical Assessment
A full assessment of foot posture, joint range of motion and gait pattern — using 3D or 2D analysis where clinically appropriate.
Diagnosis & Discussion
We explain our findings clearly and in plain language — what is causing your problem, why it is happening, and what the options are.
Treatment Plan
A personalised plan covering treatment, rehabilitation, footwear advice and any follow-up required to support your recovery.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity and how long the problem has been present. Most cases respond to a combination of biomechanical correction, footwear advice and load management. Persistent or chronic cases often respond very well to shockwave therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get heel pain assessed?
If heel pain has been present for more than a couple of weeks, is getting worse, or is affecting your daily routine, it is worth getting it properly assessed. Early treatment is generally more straightforward than managing a long-standing chronic problem. You do not need a GP referral — you can contact us directly.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to resolve?
With appropriate treatment, many patients see significant improvement within 6–12 weeks. Chronic cases that have been present for many months may take longer. Shockwave therapy can accelerate recovery in more persistent cases.
Should I rest completely?
Complete rest is rarely the answer. Low-impact activity is usually preferable to total rest. We will advise you on appropriate activity modification as part of your treatment plan, so you stay as active as possible during recovery.
What kind of footwear should I wear?
Footwear that provides good cushioning under the heel, adequate arch support and a relatively firm sole tends to help. Avoiding very flat shoes, worn-out trainers or walking barefoot on hard floors — particularly first thing in the morning — can reduce discomfort. We will give you specific footwear advice as part of your assessment.
Will I need orthoses?
Not necessarily — but orthoses are often helpful in correcting the biomechanical factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis. We only prescribe them when clinically indicated and as part of a wider treatment plan.
Can heel pain come back after treatment?
If the underlying causes are not addressed, recurrence is possible. Our treatment plans focus on resolving the root cause — whether that is footwear, loading patterns, biomechanics or training habits — to minimise this risk.
Get Your Heel Pain Assessed Today
Same-week appointments often available across all 4 Yorkshire clinics. No GP referral needed. Call or enquire online today.
No GP referral needed · HCPC registered podiatrists · Same-week appointments often available