Heel pain can hijack your mornings. If your first steps out of bed feel like you’re “walking on a nail”, you may have plantar fasciitis (more accurately, plantar fasciopathy). At the Foot, Knee and Back Clinic, we don’t just “treat the pain”; we identify the mechanical driver, calm irritated tissue, and rebuild your foot’s capacity so it stays fixed.
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs from your heel bone to your toes, and assists the intrinsic foot muscles in supporting your arch and helping your foot act like a spring when you walk and run.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, usually linked to overload of the plantar fascia and the intrinsic foot muscles’ attachment at the heel. In many people, it’s less about “inflammation” and more about an overuse/degenerative overload process, which is why a rehab-based approach (not just rest) matters.
You may notice:
Not sure if it’s plantar fasciitis? Heel pain can also come from nerve irritation, fat pad pain, stress reactions, or referred pain from the back. A proper assessment helps avoid wasted time.
Plantar fasciitis is rarely “random”. It’s often a perfect storm of load, biomechanics, and footwear recovery.
Your appointment is focused and practical. We typically assess:
Goal: reduce pain now, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
We often combine treatments for faster pain relief and better long-term outcomes. Here’s how each option helps:
Best for: persistent heel pain, “stubborn” plantar fasciitis, symptoms lasting 6–12 weeks.
Typical course: 4-8 sessions, usually weekly, with rehab continuing for 6–12 weeks.
Best for: pain modulation, calf and foot muscle tension, sensitive or irritable symptoms, and when pain limits rehabilitation.
Typical course: 4–8 treatments, often 1–2 per week initially, then spaced as symptoms settle.
Clinical expertise: Steve Bailey and Ethan Bailey specialise in the management of plantar fasciitis, having undertaken extensive research in this field, presented at national and international conferences, and published research on plantar fasciitis. Steve also trains healthcare professionals and provides online and face-to-face courses in assessment, diagnosis and treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis.
Best for: reducing irritability, supporting tissue recovery, and use alongside rehab when symptoms are limiting activity.
Typical course: 6–10 sessions, often 1–2 per week depending on symptom severity.
Best for: everyone, this is the foundation that prevents recurrence.
Typical timeline: meaningful improvement often begins in 2–4 weeks, with greater long-term change over 6–12 weeks.
Best for: pain linked to mechanics and prolonged standing and/or walking; people who need day-to-day support while rehab builds capacity.
Typical pathway: assessment and fitting, then a review at 2–6 weeks to adjust and progress.
This depends on duration, severity, and your goals, but typical pathways are:
We’ll give you a tailored recommendation after your assessment.
Not always. Many people have heel spurs with no pain. The cause is often tissue overload and sensitivity rather than the spur itself.
Usually, no. Total rest can reduce capacity. We aim for smart load reduction while keeping you moving safely.
Some stretching (plantar fascia-specific) can help, but many people do better with progressive (intrinsic foot muscle) strengthening and load management. We’ll guide you.
Often yes, with modifications. We’ll advise on volume, surfaces, footwear, and a graded return.
It can be uncomfortable, but it’s brief and adjustable. Most people tolerate it well, and it’s often worth it for stubborn cases.
