Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
The classic sign is heel pain that is at its worst with the first few steps out of bed, eases as you warm up, then returns after long periods on your feet. It is one of the more frustrating conditions to live with because the thing that aggravates it is simply walking.
It is common in people who spend long shifts standing on hard surfaces, which describes a lot of work in Gladstone.
Common causes
- A rapid increase in standing, walking or running
- Footwear with little support, or a sudden change of footwear
- Reduced ankle flexibility and calf tightness
- Long periods on hard surfaces
- Weakness through the foot and calf
What an assessment involves
We confirm what is actually causing the heel pain, because not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. We assess your foot posture and how it loads, ankle range, calf strength, and the footwear you spend the most hours in.
How it is treated
Management usually combines calf and foot strengthening, stretching, load management, and footwear advice. Progress is typically measured in weeks to months rather than days, and knowing that upfront makes it easier to stick with.
For heel pain that has not responded to a well-run program, shockwave therapy is one of the options we offer, and it is among the more established uses for it. We can talk through whether it suits your situation.
When to seek further assessment
See a doctor if the heel pain followed a specific injury and you cannot weight bear, if there is numbness or pins and needles through the foot, or if the pain is present constantly including at rest.
Funding options
We work with NDIS participants who are plan-managed or self-managed, DVA cardholders, WorkCover Queensland claims, and Medicare Chronic Condition Management plan referrals — and we bulk bill every CDM appointment, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. HICAPS is available on site for private health fund claiming.
Book an appointment
You do not need a referral to see a physio privately. Book online any time, or call the clinic on (07) 4962 1255. We are at Shop 11, Palms Shopping Fair, 172 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
Common questions
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Usually a change in load: more walking or standing, a new job on hard floors, different footwear, or a rapid increase in running. Calf and foot strength and footwear all feed into it.
How long does heel pain take to settle?
It is often a slow one. Many cases take three to six months to resolve properly, and rushing it tends to set it back. A structured loading program is what changes the trajectory.
Does shockwave therapy help heel pain?
Shockwave is one option for persistent heel pain that has not responded to loading and footwear changes. It is used as part of a plan rather than on its own, and whether it suits your case is decided at assessment.
Should I stop walking or running?
Rarely completely. Modifying how much and how often is usually more effective than stopping, because the tissue needs load to adapt.
Reviewed by Eric Wahlander, Director and Senior Physiotherapist at Nordic Physio. Registered with Ahpra (PHY0002305253) and practising in Gladstone since 2019.