What you may feel
- Pain mainly under the inner heel, sometimes along the foot arch.
- The first steps out of bed are often the most painful.
- Similar pain may return when standing after prolonged sitting.
- It may ease after a few steps, then worsen with prolonged loading.
- Running, prolonged standing or stairs may aggravate symptoms.
How it is assessed
Assessment reviews pain location, changes in activity, foot mechanics and calf flexibility. Nerve pain, tendon problems or stress injury may resemble this condition.
Explain how far you can walk, which footwear you use and which movements hurt. Mention recent injury or changes in activity.
Approaches to care
Options include suitable footwear, gradual activity adjustment and individually selected stretching and strengthening. Further options are discussed if pain persists.
Discuss realistic walking, work or exercise goals with your clinician. At follow-up, describe changes after activity and how long pain lasted.
When to seek urgent help
Inability to bear weight after injury, a hot red joint with fever, or a suddenly cold pale foot need urgent assessment.
Further reading: NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.