Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Foot pain is more common than you think — and one of the most frequent causes we see at The Wellness & Beauty Clinic is plantar fasciitis. If you’re experiencing sharp heel pain when you take your first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing, this condition may be to blame.

In this guide, our lead podiatrist Luke Planter explains what plantar fasciitis is, what causes it, and how we treat it at our North London podiatry clinic to help clients walk pain-free again.

🦶 What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. It acts like a shock absorber, supporting the arch of your foot during movement.

When this tissue becomes irritated or overstretched, small tears can form, leading to inflammation and heel pain, particularly around the bottom of the foot near the heel.

🔎 What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

There’s no single cause, but there are a number of risk factors that increase your chances of developing the condition:

Excessive standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces
Improper or unsupportive footwear
Sudden increase in physical activity or exercise
Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
Flat feet or high arches
Carrying excess weight or sudden weight gain

It’s common in runners, people who work on their feet all day, and anyone whose footwear doesn’t support their natural foot structure.

⚠️ Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain near the heel, especially when:

Taking your first steps in the morning
Standing after sitting for a long time
Walking after intense activity or standing all day
Stretching the foot or toes

Pain often improves slightly with movement but may worsen again later in the day or after prolonged activity.

👨‍⚕️ How We Diagnose Plantar Fasciitis

At The Wellness & Beauty Clinic, Luke Planter will carry out a thorough podiatric assessment including:

Clinical history and lifestyle factors
Gait and posture analysis
Examination of foot structure and flexibility
Referral for imaging (if needed) to rule out other conditions

A proper diagnosis ensures you receive the most effective treatment tailored to your level of pain, activity, and foot mechanics.

💡 Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis responds well to conservative, non-surgical treatment. At our North London clinic, we offer a range of therapies including:

🔹 Custom Orthotics – Prescription insoles that provide arch support, reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and improve foot biomechanics.

🔹 Footwear Advice – We’ll help you choose the right type of footwear for your gait and lifestyle, which is crucial for long-term prevention.

🔹 Stretching & Strengthening Exercises – Targeted exercises for the calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia to release tension and support recovery.

🔹 Manual Therapy & Massage – Hands-on techniques to improve flexibility and circulation, especially helpful in the early stages of treatment.

🔹 Laser Therapy (K-Laser) – Our advanced K-Laser treatment helps reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue healing and relieve pain — speeding up recovery time with no downtime.

🔹 Lifestyle & Activity Modifications – Advising changes to your walking or standing routine to minimise aggravation and support healing.

In persistent cases, a referral for steroid injections or advanced interventions may be considered — though most clients see excellent results through non-invasive care.

👟 Why Choose The Wellness & Beauty Clinic for Podiatry Care?

Led by expert podiatrist Luke Planter
Medically-led, holistic approach to treatment
Advanced technology including laser therapy
Calm, professional clinic setting in North London
Personalised, one-on-one foot health support

We’re here to help you understand what’s causing your foot pain and build a treatment plan that gets you back on your feet — comfortably and confidently.