Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, marked by a sharp, stabbing sensation under the heel that’s often worst with your first steps in the morning.
At Emerald Hill Podiatry, we assess the underlying cause of your heel pain and build a treatment plan around it, from conservative care to shockwave therapy and custom orthotics.
What is Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is irritation and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from heel to toes, which absorbs shock and supports your arch. Repeated strain causes small tears where it attaches to the heel, leading to inflammation and the sharp, localised pain that defines the condition.
It’s one of the most common conditions we see in clinic, affecting everyone from office workers to high-mileage runners, and left untreated, tends to become chronic.
What Causes It
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia is loaded beyond what it can comfortably absorb and repair. Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive strain from prolonged standing, walking, or running, especially on hard surfaces
- Unsupportive footwear with worn soles or little arch support
- Sudden increases in activity, such as ramping up running distance too quickly
- Flat feet or high arches, which change how load is distributed across the fascia
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, increasing tension with every step
- Excess body weight, adding cumulative load to the heel and arch
- Age, as the heel's natural cushioning thins over time
What Are the Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing heel pain, worst with first steps after waking or sitting
- Pain that eases with movement but returns after standing or walking for long periods
- Tenderness under the heel, just in front of the arch
- A dull, persistent ache that builds through the day
- Morning stiffness in the arch or heel
When to See a Podiatrist
Mild, recent heel pain sometimes settles with rest and supportive footwear, but untreated plantar fasciitis tends to worsen and become harder to resolve. See a podiatrist if:
Heel pain persists more than two weeks despite rest and supportive shoes
Pain is limiting your activity, exercise, or work
The pain is gradually worsening rather than improving
You have diabetes or a condition affecting circulation or sensation
Pain keeps returning despite previous attempts to manage it
An accurate diagnosis early on is usually the fastest route to lasting relief.
Get Your Heel Pain Properly Assessed
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Most cases respond well to a staged approach: calm the irritated tissue first, then correct the mechanics that caused it. Options include:
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) — acoustic waves that stimulate blood flow and repair, for pain that hasn't responded to rest or stretching alone
- EMTT — pulsed electromagnetic fields for deeper tissue regeneration, often paired with ESWT for stubborn cases
- Custom Orthotics — redistributes pressure off the heel and supports the arch, addressing the cause and helping prevent recurrence
Symptoms may include
Heel tenderness
or stiffness
Pain after activity or
long periods of rest
Swelling in the
heel area
What to Expect at Your Assessment
Your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and activity, examines your foot structure and gait, then walks you through the right treatment mix for your case, adjusting as you improve.
