Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain - an irritation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot. It is classically sharp under the heel with the first steps in the morning or after sitting, easing as you warm up and sometimes returning after activity. It is common in runners and in people who spend long periods on their feet.
It can be persistent, but it responds to the right approach. Treatment settles symptoms and, importantly, progressively loads and strengthens the foot and calf so the tissue regains its capacity, alongside guidance on footwear and training load. Melissa assesses the foot and contributing factors and builds an individualised plan to get you comfortable and back to activity.
Common questions
What is the fastest way to fix plantar fasciitis?
There is no instant fix, but recovery is quicker when the right things are done consistently: a progressive calf and foot strengthening programme, sensible management of load and footwear, and symptom relief in the early stages. Passive treatments alone tend to help briefly; combining them with strengthening is what produces lasting change. Most people improve over weeks to a few months with a consistent plan.
Why is my heel most painful first thing in the morning?
That first-step morning pain is characteristic of plantar fasciitis: overnight the tissue is at rest and shortened, so the first loading of the day is the most provocative, then it eases as you move. It is a useful sign for diagnosis and for tracking progress - as the tissue's capacity improves with rehab, those first steps typically become less painful.