(08) 7008 7566
(08) 7118 5399
physio@upplus.com.au
177 Trimmer Parade, Seaton SA 5023Plantar Heel Pain
Plantar heel pain, often called plantar fasciitis, is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. The signature is those first steps in the morning, or after sitting — sharp, then easing as you get going. It can be stubborn and often runs for months, but it responds well to loading the tissue progressively rather than only stretching and resting it.
What causes it
- A rapid increase in walking or running volume
- Prolonged standing on hard surfaces, particularly at work
- Reduced ankle range and calf tightness
- Unsupportive or worn-out footwear
- Higher body weight, and more common in the forties to sixties
What you might notice
- Sharp pain under the heel on the first steps in the morning
- Pain returning after sitting, then easing with walking
- Aching that builds again after long periods on your feet
- Tenderness to press on the inner side of the heel
- Discomfort walking barefoot on hard floors
How we treat it
- Progressive loading of the plantar fascia and calf, which outperforms stretching alone
- Calf strengthening and ankle range work
- Footwear advice and temporary support or taping
- Load management so standing and walking volume is controlled, not stopped
- Manual therapy and dry needling for symptom relief
- Realistic timeframes, since this generally takes months
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so the right treatment depends on an assessment. If your pain followed a significant injury, is getting worse, or comes with numbness, weakness or unexplained weight loss, please see your GP.
Stretching alone usually is not enough
Heel pain that has lasted months rarely settles with stretching and new shoes. Loading the tissue properly is what shifts it, and that needs a plan.
Or call us on (08) 7008 7566 — we see patients across Seaton, Modbury and Stepney.