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Plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch. You can usually ease the pain yourself but see a GP if it does not improve within 2 weeks.
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of your foot, around your heel and arch.
It's more likely to be plantar fasciitis if:
If you see a GP, they'll usually suggest you try these things:
rest and raise your foot on a stool when you can
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
wear shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support
use insoles or heel pads in your shoes
try regular gentle stretching exercises
try exercises that do not put pressure on your feet, such as swimming
take painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
try to lose weight if you’re overweight
do not take ibuprofen for the first 48 hours
do not walk or stand for long periods
do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
do not wear flip-flops or backless slippers
try not to walk barefoot on hard surfaces
You can ask a pharmacist about:
If plantar fasciitis does not get better, a GP might refer you to a physiotherapist or foot specialist (podiatrist).
A physiotherapist can show you exercises to help ease your symptoms. A podiatrist can recommend things like insoles and the right shoes to wear.
Physiotherapy is available free of charge on the NHS throughout the UK but waiting times for accessing physiotherapy can sometimes be long.
Podiatry may not be available for free on the NHS everywhere and waiting times can sometimes be long.
You can also pay to see a podiatrist or physiotherapist privately.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
It's not always clear why this happens.
You may be more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you:
