Heel pain that is worst on the first steps of the morning. Common, stubborn, and usually treatable without surgery.
What it is
The plantar fascia is a thick band running along the sole. Repeated loading produces degeneration at its attachment to the heel.
It is also worth excluding nerve entrapment and, in the presence of numbness, a peripheral neuropathy.
How it usually presents
- Sharp heel pain on the first steps out of bed.
- Eases after a few minutes of walking, returns after sitting.
- Tender to press at the inside front of the heel.
- Worse after prolonged standing.
How we treat it
- Assessment that separates fascial pain from nerve entrapment.
- Ultrasound-guided injection where conservative measures fail.
- Physical therapy — specific loading programmes work well here.
- Footwear and orthotic advice.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Why is it worst in the morning?
The fascia shortens overnight and is stretched abruptly on the first steps.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.