Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain under the foot is common and frustrating, especially those first painful steps in the morning. Most cases are mechanical, but I look carefully when heel pain is bilateral, recurrent or linked to other joint symptoms because it can be a sign of inflammatory arthritis.
What plantar fasciitis is
Plantar fasciitis, or plantar heel pain, involves irritation of the plantar fascia, the strong band supporting the arch of the foot. Pain is often worst with the first steps after rest and may improve then return after prolonged standing or walking.
Symptoms to look out for
Pain under the heel or inner heel
First-step pain in the morning
Pain after standing, walking or exercise
Tenderness under the heel
Tight calf or foot arch discomfort
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
Most plantar heel pain is mechanical. A rheumatology review is more relevant when heel pain is recurrent, bilateral, associated with Achilles pain, inflammatory back pain, psoriasis or swollen joints.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Heel pain not improving after self-care
Severe swelling, redness or inability to walk
Heel pain with other joint or inflammatory symptoms
Symptoms after injury or sudden rupture concern
What a specialist review looks like
I examine the foot, ankle and tendon attachments, review footwear and activity, and consider whether physiotherapy, podiatry, imaging or inflammatory arthritis assessment is needed.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If your heel pain is not settling with self-care, or comes with other joint or inflammatory symptoms, WhatsApp my clinic and we can help you decide whether a rheumatology assessment is the right next step.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.