Plantar heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis / fasciopathy, is commonly caused by degeneration of the collagen fibres within the plantar fascia.

It typically presents as a sharp or burning pain on the inner aspect of the heel, often felt upon the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.

First-line treatments include:

• Footwear modification – wearing supportive athletic shoes can be beneficial

• Targeted exercises – such as plantar fascia massage before getting out of bed and regular calf stretching

• Activity modification

• Taping

• Addressing contributing factors like elevated BMI

Second-line treatment:

• Prefabricated or custom orthotics

Third-line treatments:

• Shockwave therapy (strong evidence)

• Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

• Surgical intervention (reserved for persistent cases)

For a tailored treatment plan, it is best to consult a Podiatrist who can assess the underlying causes and recommend appropriate management options.