If you wake up in the morning and feel a sharp pain in your heel as you take your first steps, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis. It’s one of the most common foot problems we see at Supafoot Cheltenham — and the good news is, we can help.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes irritated or damaged. This tissue connects your heel bone to your toes and helps support your arch. When it’s under too much pressure or strain, it can become inflamed, making walking painful!
What Causes It?
There are a few common reasons people develop plantar fasciitis:
- Wearing unsupportive shoes (like flat sandals or flip-flops)
- Spending lots of time on your feet, especially on hard surfaces
- Tight calf muscles
- Sudden increase in activity (like starting a new exercise routine)
What Are the Symptoms?
- Sharp heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning
- Pain after standing or walking for a long time
- Pain that gets worse after exercise (not during it)
- Stiffness or aching in the arch or heel
How Supafoot Cheltenham Can Help
At Supafoot Cheltenham,we offer expert care for plantar fasciitis, including:
1. Full Foot and Gait Assessment
We look at how you walk, stand, and move to spot any issues that may be causing the pain. This helps us create a treatment plan that suits you.
2. Custom Orthotics
We can provide custom-made insoles to support your arches and reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. This can make walking more comfortable and prevent the pain from coming back.
3. Shockwave Therapy
This is a gentle treatment that uses sound waves to speed up healing and reduce inflammation. It’s safe, non-invasive, and often works when other treatments haven’t helped.
4. Strengthening and Stretching Plans
We’ll guide you through simple exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen your foot and leg muscles — the key to long-term recovery.
5. Footwear Advice
We’ll help you find the right shoes for your foot type and lifestyle — supportive, comfortable, and designed to keep your feet pain-free.
Let’s Take the First Step Together
Heel pain doesn’t have to be part of your daily life. At Supafoot Cheltenham, we’re here to help you walk comfortably again — whether that’s back to work, out on a dog walk, or simply pain-free around the house.
