Foot & Ankle
Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp heel pain with the first steps of the morning.
About this condition
Plantar heel pain is an overload problem in the tissue on the sole of the foot. It responds to progressive loading, sensible footwear and calf strengthening — but it needs patience, as recovery is measured in months rather than weeks.
Common symptoms
- Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
- Pain after sitting for a while
- Worse after long periods standing
- Tenderness under the heel
- Eases with gentle movement then returns
Frequent contributors
- Rapid increases in walking or running
- Footwear with poor support
- Calf tightness and weakness
- Prolonged standing on hard surfaces
How physiotherapy typically helps
Load management and pain-guided activity
Progressive calf and foot strengthening
Footwear and support advice
Soft-tissue work for the calf and foot
Graded return to walking or running
This page is general information. Information on this website is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Not sure which service you need?
Book an assessment and we will tell you honestly what is going on, what will help, and roughly how long it should take.