Plantar Fasciitis: Why Your Heel Hurts and How to Treat It

If your heel hurts most with your first steps in the morning, plantar fasciitis is a likely culprit. It’s one of the most common — and most stubborn — causes of heel pain, but the right treatment makes a big difference.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, supporting the arch. When it’s overloaded or irritated, it becomes inflamed — causing heel and arch pain, especially after rest.

Common causes

• A sudden increase in activity or running
• Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Tight calf muscles or poor foot mechanics
• Unsupportive footwear
• Being on your feet all day for work

Symptoms to watch for

• Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
• Pain that eases with movement but returns after rest
• Tenderness under the heel or along the arch

How we treat plantar fasciitis

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and addressing the cause: manual therapy, targeted calf and foot stretching and strengthening, footwear and activity advice, and — for stubborn cases — shockwave therapy, which is particularly effective for chronic plantar fasciitis. Most people improve steadily with a consistent plan.

Don’t let heel pain linger

Plantar fasciitis tends to get more stubborn the longer it’s left untreated. If your heel pain has lasted more than a couple of weeks, book an assessment and we’ll get you back on your feet.