Going home after your visit

Plantar fasciitis — heel pain advice

Why your heel hurts, how to ease it, and when to get more help.

For adults

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.

Seen at (hospital / unit)

Date & time seen

If you need to come back, go to

this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:

Department / advice phone

Follow-up arranged

none needed

Notes / anything specific to you

Clinician

Date

Get same-day help if any of these happen

These are not plantar fasciitis — an infected or injured foot needs assessing quickly.

The heel becomes red, hot and swollen, or you feel feverish
You have diabetes and new foot pain, a break in the skin, or any redness
Heel pain that started suddenly after a fall, jump or injury
You cannot put any weight on the foot
New numbness, tingling or weakness in the foot

See your GP if any of these happen

Plantar fasciitis itself is not an emergency. These need reviewing, but not urgently.

The pain is not improving after a few months of the advice below
It is stopping you working, exercising or sleeping
You want to discuss physiotherapy, insoles or other treatments
The pain is in both heels, or you also have joint pains elsewhere

Plantar fasciitis usually settles, but it commonly takes 6 to 12 months.

If you have diabetes

Foot problems are more serious if you have diabetes, especially if you have reduced feeling in your feet. Check both feet daily for redness, breaks in the skin, blisters or changes in colour, and get any of these looked at straight away rather than waiting. Do not use over-the-counter corn or callus treatments, and do not walk barefoot.

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 severe breathing or circulation problem

ED / urgent service

A warning sign above that needs same-day reassessment

111

Urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, or you are unsure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7

Your team / GP

Use the number and follow-up plan in Your care details above