What causes heel pain?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole, from the heel to the base of the toes, supporting the arch. When it is overloaded it becomes painful where it attaches to the heel — this is plantar fasciitis.
Other causes of foot and heel pain include pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches, a thinned heel fat pad, nerve irritation and stress injuries. Getting the cause right matters, because they are treated differently.
Typical signs of plantar fasciitis
- Sharp pain under the heel with the first steps in the morning
- Pain after sitting for a while that eases as you get going
- Pain that worsens after long periods of standing or walking
Common triggers include a sudden increase in activity, long hours on hard floors, unsupportive or worn-out shoes, tight calf muscles and carrying extra weight.
How Achilles Podiatry can help
Ian will assess where the pain is, how your foot is working and what has changed in your routine or footwear. Treatment is then tailored to you and may include:
- Advice on footwear and on managing activity while it settles
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and foot
- Padding and strapping to offload the painful area
- Custom Foot Levelers orthotic insoles to support the arch
If your pain isn't improving, Ian can advise on onward referral for further investigation.
When to get help sooner
See your GP or call NHS 111 if your heel pain follows an injury and you can't put weight on the foot, if you have numbness or tingling, or if the heel is hot and swollen and you feel unwell.
Common questions
How long does plantar fasciitis take to get better?
It varies. Many people improve over a few months with the right footwear, stretches and support, and the sooner it is treated, the better.
Is a heel spur the cause of my pain?
Heel spurs are common on X-rays, including in people with no pain at all. Pain under the heel is usually due to the plantar fascia rather than the spur itself.
Will insoles help my heel pain?
Supportive insoles can reduce the strain on the plantar fascia. Custom orthotics are made for your feet, which can help when off-the-shelf insoles haven't worked.