Going home after your visit
Plantar fasciitis — heel pain advice
Why your heel hurts, how to ease it, and when to get more help.
You have plantar fasciitis — pain under the heel from irritation of the band of tissue along the sole of your foot. It is common and not serious, but can take several months to settle. Most people get better with simple self-care.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
See your GP if any of these happen
These are not usual for plantar fasciitis and need checking.
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in your foot
- Heel pain that started after a fall or injury
- You cannot put any weight on the foot
- The heel becomes red, hot and swollen, or you feel feverish
- You have diabetes and new foot pain
- Pain not improving after a few months of self-care
CALL 999 A red, hot, swollen heel with a fever can be a sign of infection. If you have diabetes, foot problems can be more serious, so get checked early.
Helping your heel
- Cut back on high-impact activities such as running and long periods of standing.
- Wear cushioned, supportive shoes with a slight heel — avoid flat or bare feet on hard floors.
- Use a gel heel pad or insole in your shoes.
- Do daily calf and foot stretches, such as rolling the sole over a cold bottle.
- Put ice on the heel for a few minutes after activity.
- Take ibuprofen for a short time if you can take it.
What to expect
This pattern is typical of plantar fasciitis and is nothing to worry about:
Sharp pain under the heelWorst with the first steps in the morningEases as you walkSlow improvement over months
Most heel pain settles with these measures. See your GP or a physiotherapist if it is not improving.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above