Plantar Fasciitis Treatment at Feet First Podiatry Clinic
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The classic symptom is sharp pain during the first steps in the morning or after rest. At Feet First Podiatry Clinic, we combine expert assessment, ultrasound imaging and evidence-based treatment â including shockwave therapy, orthotics and injection therapy where appropriate â to get you back on your feet quickly.
Why Patients Choose Us
- Specialist biomechanical assessment
- Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound available
- Injection therapy for stubborn or severe pain
- Shockwave therapy for chronic cases
- Custom 3D-printed orthotics (Phits)
- Tailored strengthening & mobility plans
What We Treat
- Classic plantar fasciitis
- Sharp heel pain on first steps
- Pain after walking, standing or sport
- Heel pain linked to flat feet or overpronation
- Chronic or recurrent heel pain
- Heel pain not responding to home exercises
- Uncertain diagnosis (heel pain of unknown cause)
Causes and Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or overloaded. Contributing factors include:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calves or reduced ankle mobility
- Overpronation
- Sudden increase in training
- Long periods standing
- Unsupportive footwear
- Weak intrinsic foot muscles
During your appointment we assess:
- Foot posture and arch function
- Gait pattern and pressure distribution
- Strength and mobility
- Footwear habits
- Training load and activity level
Ultrasound Scanning at Feet First
For cases where diagnosis is unclear or symptoms are persistent, musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to visualise:
- Thickness of the plantar fascia
- Presence of inflammation or degeneration
- Heel bursitis or fat pad issues
- Tears or partial tears
- Other causes of heel pain (nerve entrapment, stress injury)
Ultrasound provides immediate answers and allows for precise treatment planning.
How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Highly effective for persistent plantar fasciitis. Helps to:
- Reduce pain
- Stimulate tissue healing
- Improve mobility
- Speed up recovery
Ultrasound-Guided Injection Therapy
For severe, persistent or high-level athletic cases, we offer ultrasound-guided steroid injections to reduce inflammation and break the pain cycle.
Used when:
- Pain is preventing normal walking
- Shockwave and exercise therapy have not been enough
- The plantar fascia is significantly thickened
- Symptoms are severe or long-standing
Ultrasound ensures the injection is placed precisely for maximum benefit.
Custom 3D-Printed Orthotics (Phits)
Designed using your FootscanÂŽ analysis, orthotics:
- Reduce strain on the plantar fascia
- Improve foot posture
- Reduce overpronation
- Provide long-term support for walking and running
Strengthening & Mobility Programme
We prescribe exercises to improve:
- Calf and hamstring flexibility
- Plantar fascia mobility
- Foot muscle strength
- Stability during walking and running
Taping & Padding
Short-term relief by reducing tension on the plantar fascia and improving comfort.
Footwear Guidance
Recommending shoes that:
- Support the arch
- Cushion the heel
- Reduce overload on the plantar fascia
Activity & Load Management
Adjusting training or walking volume to allow recovery without complete rest.
What to Expect
- Biomechanical and gait assessment
- FootscanÂŽ pressure mapping
- Ultrasound examination if required
- Diagnosis and explanation
- Personalised treatment plan
- Shockwave, orthotics or injection therapy if indicated
- Follow-up plan to monitor improvement
Most patients see improvement within 2â6 weeks, depending on severity and treatment chosen.
When to Seek Help
Book an appointment if:
- You have morning heel pain
- Pain affects work, walking or exercise
- Home stretches havenât helped
- Pain has lasted more than 2â3 weeks
- You want a precise diagnosis through ultrasound
- You’re considering shockwave or injection therapy
- Pain is becoming chronic or worsening
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plantar fasciitis the same as a heel spur?
No â spurs rarely cause pain. Plantar fasciitis is the more common issue.
Does ultrasound help diagnose heel pain?
Yes â it shows inflammation, thickening and other causes of heel pain.
Do steroid injections help plantar fasciitis?
Yes, for the right patient. They reduce inflammation and can break the pain cycle.
Is shockwave therapy effective?
Yes â especially for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Do orthotics help?
Yes â they reduce strain and support the arch.