Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain, common in runners, walkers, and people who spend long hours standing.

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It’s caused by irritation or microtears of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes.

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Symptoms include sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest.

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and targeted rehabilitation to speed recovery and prevent recurrence.

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What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

Overload, poor biomechanics, or tight calves can cause inflammation or microtears where the fascia attaches to the heel bone.

This leads to sharp, stabbing heel pain, often worse in the morning or after long periods of standing.

Plantar fasciitis can affect:

• Runners increasing training volume

• People who stand for long hours (nurses, teachers, retail, construction)

• Those with flat feet, high arches, or poor footwear support

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Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Sharp heel pain, especially on first steps in the morning

• Pain after sitting or standing for long periods

• Pain worse after (not usually during) exercise

• Tenderness at the base of the heel

• Stiffness in the sole of the foot

• Sometimes radiating pain along the arch

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Sudden increase in activity or training

• Poor footwear with limited arch/heel support

• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon

• Flat feet, high arches, or altered biomechanics

• Running or walking on hard surfaces

• Obesity or rapid weight gain

• Metabolic contributors: vitamin D deficiency, poor tissue healing

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Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Osteopathic assessment – gait, arch, calf/Achilles tightness, biomechanics

• Ultrasound imaging – to confirm plantar fascia thickening, tears, or heel spurs

• Blood tests – in recurrent or stubborn cases, to check for systemic issues (vitamin D, thyroid, metabolic health)

• Referral for imaging – MRI or X-ray if alternative diagnoses need ruling out

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Self-Help for Plantar Fasciitis

• Rest or modify activity to avoid aggravating pain

• Ice massage to the heel after activity

• Stretch calves, hamstrings, and plantar fascia

• Use a frozen water bottle under the foot for rolling massage

• Supportive footwear or orthotics

• Avoid barefoot walking on hard floors

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment – joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy for foot/ankle mechanics
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – stretching, strengthening calves, arches, and intrinsic foot muscles
✅ Sports massage – release of calf and plantar fascia tension
✅ Ultrasound imaging – to confirm diagnosis and monitor recovery
✅ Blood testing & metabolic review – identify systemic factors delaying healing
✅ Footwear and orthotic advice – to support arch and heel mechanics

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Prevention

• Wear well-cushioned, supportive shoes

• Replace worn-out footwear promptly

• Warm up and stretch calves/feet before activity

• Build training gradually (avoid sudden mileage jumps)

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on feet

• Incorporate strengthening for calves, arches, and hips

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FAQs – Plantar Fasciitis

Q: How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Most cases improve within 3–6 months with proper treatment. Chronic cases may take longer.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Not always. Ultrasound is useful to confirm plantar fascia changes and rule out heel spurs.

Q: Can I keep running with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, with modifications – reduce mileage, use proper footwear, and focus on calf/foot strengthening.

Q: Why are blood tests relevant?
They can reveal deficiencies (e.g. vitamin D) or metabolic factors that slow recovery.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let heel pain stop you from walking or running. Book your plantar fasciitis assessment in Bromley today and take your first steps towards recovery.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available