Plantar Fasciitis: Heel Pain, Causes & Treatment

Pain Under Your Heel When You Take Your First Steps?

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all ages and activity levels.

It frequently causes pain beneath the heel, particularly during the first few steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Many people describe it as feeling like they are standing on a stone, bruise or sharp object under their heel.

For some people, symptoms settle relatively quickly. For others, pain becomes persistent and begins affecting walking, exercise, work and quality of life.

Many people become frustrated because they have tried stretching exercises, insoles or simply hoped the pain would disappear on its own.

At Callen Olive, we regularly assess and treat Plantar Fasciitis, helping people understand why their symptoms have developed and creating personalised treatment plans designed around their lifestyle, goals and desire to remain active.

You're Not Alone

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common conditions we see in clinic.

We regularly assess and treat:

• Walkers

• Runners

• Golfers

• Busy parents

• Healthcare professionals

• Teachers

• Active retirees

Many people come to us after struggling with symptoms for weeks, months and sometimes even years.

Some have stopped exercising altogether, whilst others are finding everyday activities increasingly difficult and simply want to walk comfortably again.

You are not alone.

Our experienced clinicians understand how frustrating persistent heel pain can be and are here to help you understand your condition and explore the most appropriate treatment options.

What Is The Plantar Fascia?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes.

It helps to:

• Support the arch of the foot

• Absorb forces during walking and running

• Provide stability during movement

• Store and release energy as we walk

Every day, the plantar fascia is subjected to significant loading and stress.

When these loads exceed the tissue's ability to recover, pain and dysfunction may develop.

What Does Plantar Fasciitis Feel Like?

People commonly describe:

• Sharp pain under the heel

• Pain with the first few steps in the morning

• Pain after sitting for long periods

• Pain when getting out of bed or the car

• Pain when walking barefoot

• Discomfort after exercise

• Heel pain that improves slightly as they move around

• Symptoms that worsen after activity

Many people experience good days and bad days, which can make the condition particularly frustrating.

How Can Plantar Fasciitis Affect Everyday Life?

Plantar Fasciitis affects every step you take.

Many people find themselves:

• Avoiding long walks

• Reducing exercise and sporting activities

• Struggling to stand comfortably at work

• Finding shopping trips and days out more difficult

• Walking less and becoming less active

• Worrying that they may have to give up activities they enjoy

For some people, the impact on comfort, wellbeing and quality of life can be significant.

Is Plantar Fasciitis Really Inflammation?

Despite its name, Plantar Fasciitis is not always an inflammatory condition.

In the early stages, inflammation may be present. However, many persistent cases involve changes within the structure of the tissue itself rather than ongoing inflammation.

This is one reason why symptoms sometimes continue for months despite rest, stretching or anti-inflammatory medication.

At Callen Olive, we focus on understanding why symptoms have developed and addressing the factors contributing to excessive strain and tissue overload.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

There is rarely one single cause.

Several factors may contribute to excessive loading of the plantar fascia.

Foot Biomechanics

The way your feet function during walking and running can influence loading through the plantar fascia.

Sudden Changes In Activity

Increasing walking, running, exercise or standing time too quickly can overload the tissue.

Flat Feet Or High Arches

Both foot types can increase stress through the plantar fascia in different ways.

Tight Calf Muscles

Reduced flexibility can increase strain through the heel and arch.

Footwear

Unsupportive or worn footwear may contribute to symptoms.

Weight-Bearing Demands

Occupations or lifestyles involving prolonged standing may increase the risk of developing symptoms.

Often, multiple factors are involved rather than one single cause.

Why Early Assessment Matters

Many people continue walking on a painful heel for months before seeking professional advice.

Unfortunately, symptoms can become increasingly difficult to resolve when contributing factors remain unaddressed.

Persistent pain can lead to:

• Reduced activity levels

• Changes in walking patterns

• Increased stiffness

• Loss of fitness

• Compensation injuries elsewhere in the foot, ankle or lower limb

• Long-term frustration

Early assessment and treatment can often help reduce pain, support recovery and improve quality of life.

At Callen Olive, we believe identifying and addressing the cause of symptoms is just as important as relieving pain itself.

How We Assess Plantar Fasciitis

Assessment begins by understanding your symptoms and how they are affecting your everyday life.

This may include:

• Clinical examination

• Foot posture assessment

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Footwear assessment

• Activity review

Where appropriate, diagnostic imaging may also be recommended.

By understanding why symptoms have developed, we can create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Treatment is always designed around the individual and the factors contributing to their symptoms.

Management may include:

Footwear Advice

Appropriate footwear often forms an important part of treatment and can significantly improve comfort.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom Foot Orthotics may help improve foot function and reduce excessive strain through the plantar fascia.

Rehabilitation Exercises

A personalised rehabilitation programme may help improve flexibility, strength and tissue resilience.

Activity Modification

Temporary changes to activity levels may support recovery whilst helping maintain fitness and everyday function wherever possible.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments available for persistent Plantar Fasciitis.

The treatment works by stimulating healing responses within the affected tissue and may help reduce pain and improve function.

Injection Therapy

For carefully selected patients, injection therapy may also be considered where clinically appropriate.

Our goal is not simply to reduce pain today, but to help you return to comfortable movement and remain active long-term.

Why Doesn't Rest Alone Always Work?

One of the most common mistakes people make when they develop Plantar Fasciitis is stopping all activity and waiting for the pain to settle.

Whilst temporarily reducing activities that aggravate symptoms may sometimes be appropriate, complete rest does not always address the underlying problem.

The plantar fascia is a structure that responds to load.

In many cases, the goal is not to avoid loading the tissue altogether, but to improve its ability to tolerate load over time.

This is why some people find their symptoms return as soon as they resume walking, running, exercise or everyday activities.

Successful treatment often involves identifying and addressing factors contributing to excessive strain, including:

• Foot biomechanics

• Footwear

• Calf tightness

• Training errors

• Activity levels

• Tissue strength and resilience

Our objective is not simply to reduce pain today but to help reduce the likelihood of symptoms repeatedly returning in the future.

Can I Continue Walking With Plantar Fasciitis?

In many cases, yes.

Remaining active is often beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing.

However, the amount and type of activity that is appropriate will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of the problem.

For some people, simple adjustments to footwear, activity levels or treatment may allow them to continue walking comfortably.

For others, a temporary reduction in activity may be required whilst symptoms settle.

Our goal is to help you remain as active as possible whilst supporting recovery and preventing further irritation of the plantar fascia.

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We understand how frustrating persistent heel pain can be.

Many people come to us after weeks, months or even years of ongoing discomfort. Some have stopped exercising, whilst others are struggling with everyday activities and simply want to walk comfortably again.

Our experienced clinicians combine expert assessment, biomechanics and evidence-based treatments to understand the true cause of your symptoms and create treatment plans tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Because caring for your feet isn't simply about reducing pain. It's about helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment: £180
New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist: £225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.

If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on +44 333 305 8347.

Related Conditions

• Heel Pain

• Flat Feet

• Achilles Tendinopathy

• Fat Pad Syndrome

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Related Treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Shockwave Therapy

• Injection Therapy

Learn More

• Walking For Wellbeing

• Running & Foot Health

• Foot Health For Golfers

• Active Ageing & Foot Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Plantar Fasciitis Go Away On Its Own?

Some cases improve with time, but symptoms can persist for months or even years if the underlying causes are not identified and addressed.

Why Is My Heel Pain Worse In The Morning?

During periods of rest, the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues become less mobile. This is why many people experience pain during their first few steps of the day.

Should I Stop Walking If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Not necessarily. Many people can remain active with appropriate advice and treatment. Your clinician will discuss the most suitable approach for your individual circumstances.

How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Take To Improve?

Recovery varies between individuals and depends on factors such as symptom duration, activity levels, underlying biomechanics and treatment approach.

Can Orthotics Help Plantar Fasciitis?

For some people, Custom Foot Orthotics can help improve foot function and reduce excessive strain through the plantar fascia.

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

Most people tolerate treatment well. Your clinician will explain the procedure fully and discuss whether it may be appropriate for your condition.

Ready To Take The First Step Towards Comfortable Movement?

You don't have to simply put up with heel pain.

Whether your symptoms have recently developed or have been affecting you for some time, our experienced team is here to help.

Book your assessment today and take the first step towards moving with comfort, confidence and ease.