TL;DR Quick answer
Heel pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning, usually from plantar fasciitis. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as platelet-rich plasma (prp) injection.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About heel pain
Plantar fasciitis affects the thick band of tissue under the foot. It is the most common cause of heel pain in adults.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain under the heel; worse with first steps after rest; pain after long periods of standing |
| Common causes | Plantar fasciitis; achilles tendinopathy; prolonged standing, weight gain or unsupportive footwear |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor for heel pain after an injury, with numbness, or with redness and swelling |
| Treatment options | Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain under the heel
- Worse with first steps after rest
- Pain after long periods of standing
Causes
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Prolonged standing, weight gain or unsupportive footwear
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor for heel pain after an injury, with numbness, or with redness and swelling.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection | Procedure | An injection prepared from your own blood for selected tendon and joint conditions. | 30–45 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
