What is plantar heel pain?
Plantar heel pain is a descriptive term for discomfort felt under or around the heel. It is
commonly associated with the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the
foot from the heel towards the toes. Changes in load, activity or foot mechanics may contribute
to symptoms in this area.
People who spend long periods standing, walking or running, or who have recently changed their
activity levels, footwear or surfaces, may notice heel discomfort. Some individuals with
plantar fasciitis, Severs disease or other
sports-related conditions can experience similar
symptoms, and a podiatry assessment can help explore possible contributing factors.
Common contributing factors may include:
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Changes in activity levels, training load or work demands
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Footwear that provides limited cushioning or support
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Foot posture such as increased pronation or reduced arch support
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Reduced calf or ankle flexibility
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Standing or walking on hard surfaces for extended periods
Common symptoms of plantar heel pain
Symptoms can vary between individuals. The following are commonly reported features and are
provided as general information only. A podiatry consultation is required for assessment of
your specific situation.
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Heel discomfort on first steps – some people notice pain when getting out of bed or after sitting.
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Pain after rest – symptoms may return when walking again after a period of rest.
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Tenderness under the heel – the area may feel sensitive when pressed.
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Discomfort with walking or running – longer walks, running or sport may increase symptoms.
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Tightness in the calf or arch – reduced flexibility can be associated with heel pain.
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Fatigue with prolonged standing – standing for extended periods may feel uncomfortable.
If you notice similar symptoms, you may wish to discuss them with a podiatrist or your general
practitioner. Information on related conditions such as
ankle sprain,
Achilles tendonitis and
Morton’s neuroma is also available on our
conditions page.
Assessment and contributing factors
A podiatry consultation for plantar heel pain generally involves discussing your history,
symptoms and daily activities. The aim is to understand how load, footwear and foot mechanics
may be contributing to your heel discomfort and to consider appropriate management options.
Clinical history and symptom review
Discussion of onset, location of pain, activity levels and previous episodes.
Gait and movement assessment
Observation of walking pattern and how the foot and ankle move during stance.
Footwear and surface review
Consideration of shoes, insoles and typical surfaces used at work, home or sport.
Foot posture and flexibility
Assessment of arch height, calf flexibility and ankle range of motion.
Referral if required
Where appropriate, your podiatrist may discuss referral to your GP or imaging services.
Management options for plantar heel pain
Management plans are tailored to the individual and may include a combination of load
modification, exercise, footwear changes and foot supports. The information below is general
and does not replace personalised advice.
01
Activity and load modification
Adjusting walking, running or standing time and gradually changing load may help reduce
irritation around the heel. This can be discussed alongside other
sports-related conditions.
02
Stretching and strengthening programs
Calf and plantar fascia stretches, as well as strengthening exercises for the foot and
lower limb, may be included in a management plan. More information is available on our
stretching and
strengthening pages, and in our illustrated
plantar fasciitis exercise guide.
03
Supportive footwear advice
Reviewing footwear and discussing options with improved cushioning or structure can be
part of managing plantar heel pain. This may complement other approaches such as
soft tissue therapy or
strapping.
04
Orthotic therapy and heel supports
Foot orthoses and heel supports may be considered to help redistribute load under the
heel and support the arch. Further information is available on our
orthotic therapy page.
Orthotic therapy and other supports for plantar heel pain
Orthotic therapy is one of several options that may be considered when managing plantar heel
pain. Foot orthoses can be used to modify how load is distributed under the heel and arch, and
may be combined with footwear changes, exercise programs and other podiatry interventions.
At the Podiatry and Injury Clinic, orthotic therapy is discussed alongside other approaches such
as soft tissue therapy,
strapping,
foot mobilisations and
stretching programs. The choice of support depends on
your individual presentation, footwear preferences and daily activities.
Orthoses may be:
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Prefabricated devices selected to match foot shape and footwear
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Custom devices prescribed following a podiatry assessment
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Combined with heel cups or insoles to adjust pressure under the heel
If you are interested in orthotic therapy for plantar heel pain, you can read more on our
orthotic therapy page or submit an enquiry via
the contact page. Any decision to use orthoses is made in
consultation with you and may involve discussion with your general practitioner or other health
professionals where appropriate.
Considering early assessment
Heel pain can affect daily activities such as walking, work and recreation. Seeking assessment
when symptoms are persistent or changing can help clarify possible contributing factors and
allow a management plan to be discussed. This may include advice on activity levels, footwear,
exercises and supports.
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Ongoing discomfort may influence how you walk or stand, which can place different loads on
other joints.
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Symptoms that interfere with work, sport or daily tasks may benefit from a structured
management plan.
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If pain is worsening, associated with swelling, or accompanied by other health concerns, it
is important to seek medical advice promptly.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace individual medical
advice. If you have heel pain, please consult your general practitioner or a registered
podiatrist to discuss your specific situation.
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