Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people see us. For many, the first few steps in the morning or after sitting are the worst. Our job is to work out why the heel is overloaded and put a sensible plan in place to get you moving comfortably again.

What heel pain and plantar fasciitis feel like

People often describe:

• Sharp or stabbing pain under the heel with the first steps of the day
• Aching or burning discomfort after standing or walking for longer periods
• Pain that eases once you “warm up”, then returns later in the day
• Symptoms that build gradually rather than starting with a single injury

The pain is usually under the heel or slightly towards the arch. In some cases, both feet are affected.

What could be causing your heel pain

Plantar fasciitis (also called plantar fasciopathy) is the most common cause of heel pain. It involves irritation of the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

Other possible causes include:

• Overload of the heel fat pad
• Referred pain from the Achilles tendon or calf
• Nerve irritation around the heel
• Less common joint or bone stress problems

Because different problems can feel similar, an accurate diagnosis is important before choosing treatment.

How we assess heel and plantar fascia pain

We take a musculoskeletal approach. A typical assessment includes:

• History of your symptoms, work and activity levels
• Examination of the heel, plantar fascia, calf and Achilles tendon
• Assessment of foot posture, arch support and leg alignment
• Walking (and where useful, running) analysis to see how the foot loads
• Review of footwear and any recent changes in training or work demands

If we suspect a less common cause, we discuss whether imaging or further investigations are needed.

How we treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis

Treatment is tailored to the diagnosis and severity, but may include:

• Load management – adjusting standing, walking and training to give the tissue a chance to settle
• Targeted exercises for the calf, plantar fascia and foot muscles
• Footwear changes to improve support and cushioning
• Orthotics to redistribute pressure and reduce strain on the plantar fascia
• Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) for stubborn or longer term heel pain
• Laser therapy for selected soft tissue and nerve-related heel pain
• Musculoskeletal foot and ankle assessment review when pain is complex or has not responded to previous care

We explain why each option is recommended, what you can realistically expect, and how long improvement is likely to take.

Who we see with heel pain

We see a broad range of patients with heel pain, including:

• People on their feet all day at work
• Walkers and runners increasing their distance or pace
• People who have recently changed footwear or surfaces
• Older adults with long-standing heel and arch discomfort

Some have had symptoms for only a few weeks; others have tried multiple treatments without a clear plan. We aim to give a clear diagnosis and a structured path forward rather than short-term relief only.

Local heel pain treatment in Forest Hill

Our clinic is located in Brentford Square, Forest Hill. We regularly see patients with heel and plantar fascia pain from nearby suburbs such as Blackburn and Glen Waverley.

Book an appointment for heel pain

If heel pain is limiting your walking, work or sport, it is worth having it properly assessed. You can book a musculoskeletal foot and ankle assessment online or contact the clinic to arrange a suitable time.