Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Andover
Hampshire Spine and Joint Clinic
Understanding symptoms, causes and treatment for plantar fasciitis foot pain near Andover, Hampshire.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain we see in clinic, and it's often at its worst with the first few steps out of bed in the morning. NHS pathways for this condition exist, but waiting times can be long, and the longer plantar fasciitis goes untreated, the more it tends to settle in and become harder to shift. If heel pain has been holding you back, there's a lot that can be done, and we offer several treatment options under one roof, including focused and radial shockwave therapy and EMTT.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock with every step. Plantar fasciitis happens when this tissue becomes irritated and, in longer-standing cases, starts to show signs of wear rather than simple inflammation. This is what causes the sharp, stabbing pain typically felt at the bottom of the heel.
Common Symptoms
Sharp or stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel
Pain that's worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while
Pain that eases as you get moving, then often returns after long periods of standing or walking
Tenderness when pressing on the heel or arch of the foot
Pain that builds gradually rather than appearing suddenly after an injury
Stiffness in the foot, particularly first thing in the morning
Causes and Risk Factors
Prolonged standing or walking, particularly on hard surfaces
Running or other high-impact activity, especially a sudden increase in training
Tight calf muscles or reduced flexibility in the ankle
Flat feet or high-arched feet
Excess body weight, increasing load through the foot
Unsupportive or worn footwear
Most common between the ages of 40 and 60
How Common Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is thought to affect around one in ten people at some point in their life, making it one of the most frequent causes of heel pain seen in both NHS and private clinics. Most cases improve within several months with the right conservative care, though a proportion become more persistent, particularly when treatment is delayed or symptoms are left to run their course untreated.
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed through a clinical assessment: a history of your symptoms, when they're worse, and a physical examination checking for tenderness at the heel and how your foot and ankle move. In most cases, this is enough to confirm the diagnosis without further tests.
Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI isn't usually needed, but may occasionally be used if your symptoms are unusual or if another cause needs to be ruled out.
Treatment Options
Osteopathic treatment looks beyond the heel itself, assessing how your foot, ankle and lower limb move together and addressing any biomechanical factors adding extra load through the plantar fascia.
Osteopathy
Targeted stretching of the calf and plantar fascia, along with a gradual return to activity and advice on footwear and load management, forms the foundation of recovery for most patients.
Rehabilitation and Exercise Therapy
Focused and Radial Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is recognised by NICE as an option for plantar fasciitis that hasn't settled with standard conservative care. We offer both focused and radial shockwave devices. Focused shockwaves concentrate energy at a specific depth and point, which suits a well-localised area of tenderness. Radial shockwaves spread energy more broadly across a wider area, and this is the type most commonly available through NHS services. Current evidence suggests both approaches are similarly effective for plantar fasciitis, so we'll assess your presentation and use whichever is most appropriate, or combine both as part of your treatment plan.
EMTT is often used alongside shockwave therapy to support the body's natural healing response in the affected tissue.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to early, appropriate treatment, so it's worth getting assessed if:
Heel pain has persisted for more than two or three weeks despite rest and self-care
Pain is affecting your daily activity, work or ability to exercise
Symptoms aren't improving with stretching, supportive footwear and reduced load
Seek urgent medical attention if you have sudden, severe heel pain following an injury, significant swelling, signs of infection, or numbness and tingling in the foot, as these can suggest a different cause that needs prompt assessment.
FAQs
What's the difference between focused and radial shockwave therapy?
Focused shockwaves target a specific, deeper point with concentrated energy, while radial shockwaves spread energy over a broader, more superficial area. Both are used for plantar fasciitis, and current research suggests they achieve comparable results. We choose between them, or combine them, based on your assessment.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
This varies a lot between patients. Many people see a meaningful improvement within a few months of starting the right conservative treatment, though more longstanding cases can take longer. We'll give you a realistic idea of what to expect once we've assessed you.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
It can feel uncomfortable, particularly over a tender area, but most patients tolerate it well and any soreness afterwards is usually short-lived.
Will I need an injection or surgery?
Most facet joint pain is managed successfully with conservative treatment. Injections are sometimes used elsewhere in a patient's care pathway to help confirm the diagnosis or provide short-term relief, but the least invasive options are tried first, and surgery is rarely required.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on how long you've had symptoms and how you respond to treatment, but shockwave therapy is typically delivered as a short course of weekly sessions. We'll discuss a plan tailored to you at your assessment.
Can I keep exercising or running with plantar fasciitis?
Often yes, with some modification. Complete rest isn't usually necessary or helpful, but managing your load, footwear and training volume is an important part of recovery, and we can help you work out what's safe to continue.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is rarely needed for plantar fasciitis. The large majority of people improve with conservative treatment, and it's generally only considered after other options have been tried without success.
Summary
Plantar fasciitis is a common and usually very manageable cause of heel pain, though it can become more stubborn the longer it's left untreated. With the right combination of osteopathy, rehabilitation and, where appropriate, focused or radial shockwave therapy and EMTT, most people see a real improvement. If heel pain has been slowing you down and you'd rather not wait for an NHS referral, we're here to help.
Book an appointment.
If heel pain is affecting your daily life, book an assessment with us here in Goodworth Clatford, Andover, and we'll help you get to the bottom of what's going on. You can book online or call 01264 580280 if you'd like to discuss things first.
