Plantar fascia pain
Commonly felt under the heel or along the arch, especially with first steps, prolonged standing or increased activity.
Heel pain · Plantar fascia assessment · Inverness
Heel Pain & Plantar Fascia Assessment
We assess what is causing your heel pain, then recommend the right treatment plan to help resolve your pain quickly.
Assessment firstConfirm the likely pain source
Shockwave pathwayCommonly advised for plantar fascia cases
Course of 4£70 per treatment
Common presentation
Plantar heel pain is common, but the right treatment depends on the cause
Plantar fascia pain is a common cause of pain under the heel. It often feels worse with your first steps in the morning, after sitting, or after longer periods of standing or walking. We assess the likely cause first, then recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
Activity-related heel pain
Heel pain linked to running, walking, work demands, footwear changes or increased training load.
Persistent or recurrent symptoms
For heel pain that has not settled with rest, stretching, footwear changes or simple self-care.
Assessment first care
Not all heel pain has the same cause
Plantar fasciitis is common, but heel pain can have different causes. We check the painful area, your activity, footwear and loading first, so the treatment plan is matched to the problem.
- History of symptoms, activity, footwear and previous treatment
- Clinical examination of the heel, arch, calf and surrounding structures
- Review of load, work, sport and walking demands
- MSK ultrasound may be recommended where imaging will help decision-making
- Clear treatment plan including shockwave, rehabilitation, footwear advice and orthotics where indicated
%20(1).avif)
Treatment pathway
A heel pain assessment is the starting point in your treatment plan
Where your symptoms and assessment fit with plantar fascia pain and there are no contraindications, shockwave therapy is commonly recommended as part of the heel pain treatment pathway. It is normally combined with rehabilitation and load advice rather than used in isolation.
How shockwave works
Shockwave uses short pulses of acoustic energy delivered through a handheld applicator to the painful heel area. The aim is to stimulate the tissues, reduce pain sensitivity and support recovery when combined with the right loading, footwear and rehabilitation plan.
1
Assess
Identify the likely pain source and contributing factors.
2
Plan
Discuss shockwave suitability, rehab, footwear and activity changes.
3
Treat
Shockwave is usually delivered as a planned course when appropriate.
4
Review
Progress is monitored and the plan adjusted if needed.
Shockwave treatment course
After your heel pain assessment, if shockwave is appropriate, the usual treatment pathway is a course of four sessions.
£70 per treatmentShockwave session price
Course of 4Usual pathway when clinically appropriate after assessment
Beyond the heel
Heel pain treatment should include the wider biomechanical picture
Shockwave can be useful, but longer-term recovery usually also depends on understanding the wider biomechanical picture. For long-term, persistent or activity-related plantar heel pain, a 3D gait assessment may be recommended to look more closely at walking or running mechanics, strength, flexibility and lower-limb function.
- Calf strength and capacity considerations
- Footwear, work and sport loading advice
- Rehabilitation plan where needed
- Orthotics where support or load management would add value
- 3D gait assessment for long-term, persistent or activity-related heel pain where walking or running mechanics may be contributing
Related services
Additional options when clinically useful
Heel pain care may involve one or more of the clinic’s specialist services depending on assessment findings and goals.
Heel Pain Assessment
For plantar fascia cases where shockwave is clinically appropriate. A course of four sessions is commonly advised.
Specialist Foot & Ankle Assessment
For persistent heel pain, unclear diagnosis, recurrent symptoms or cases needing a broader clinical review.
Functional 3D Gait Assessment
For long-term, persistent or activity-related plantar heel pain where walking or running mechanics, load and lower-limb function need deeper review.
Orthotics & Rehabilitation
For cases where footwear, loading support, calf capacity or foot function need a structured treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about heel pain and plantar fascia care
Is all heel pain plantar fasciitis?
No. Plantar fascia-related pain is common, but heel pain can come from other tissues or loading problems. Assessment helps identify the most likely cause.
Will I definitely need shockwave?
Not automatically. However, where assessment supports a plantar fascia diagnosis and shockwave is suitable, a course of shockwave is commonly advised as part of the plan.
How many shockwave sessions are usually advised?
When shockwave is appropriate for plantar fascia pain, the usual course is four treatments at £70 per treatment.
Does shockwave replace rehabilitation?
No. Shockwave is usually most useful when combined with load management, calf and foot capacity work, footwear advice and activity modification where needed.
Should I book routine podiatry for heel pain?
Persistent heel pain is usually better suited to a Specialist Foot & Ankle Assessment or dedicated heel pain assessment rather than a routine podiatry appointment.
Book a heel pain assessment and get a clear treatment plan
Assessment helps identify whether plantar fascia-related pain is likely and whether shockwave, rehabilitation, footwear advice or further investigation is appropriate.