What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. Repeated strain causes it to thicken and become painful where it attaches to the heel bone.
What causes it?
- A tight calf muscle.
- Sudden increases in walking, running or standing.
- Being overweight.
- Unsupportive footwear and hard surfaces.
Common symptoms
- Pain under the heel, worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.
- Pain that eases a little with walking but returns after long periods on your feet.
How is it diagnosed?
Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. Scans such as ultrasound are only needed if the diagnosis is unclear.
Things you can do now
- Stretch your calf and the sole of your foot every day, especially before your first steps in the morning
- Wear supportive shoes and avoid walking barefoot on hard floors
- Try heel cushions or insoles
- Reduce long periods of standing or running while it settles
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include calf and plantar fascia stretching, supportive footwear, heel cushions or insoles, changes to activity and weight management, night splints, a guided steroid injection, shockwave therapy and surgery in a small number of long-standing cases.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- Heel pain has lasted more than three months despite stretching and footwear changes
- Pain is severe, or there is numbness or tingling
- Heel pain followed a sudden injury
What to expect
Most people recover within a year with simple measures. Shockwave therapy or a guided injection can help stubborn cases, and surgery is rarely needed.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about plantar fasciitis in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with plantar fasciitis at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.