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What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue running from the heel to the toes that supports the arch of the foot. When it is asked to take more than it is used to, pain appears under the heel or in the sole near the heel. Common contributors are a sudden increase in walking, standing or running, extra body weight, tight calf muscles and shoes with little support. It is most common in middle age and in people who stand for long hours at work.
Common signs
- Sharp pain under the heel with the first steps after waking or after sitting for a long time
- Pain that eases a little with walking, then may return after long standing or walking
- Tenderness when pressing on the underside of the heel
- Tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
What about a heel spur?
A small bony outgrowth at the heel that sometimes shows on an X-ray. It is very common, even in people with no pain at all, so it does not necessarily explain the pain, and it does not mean the answer is to remove it. Treatment mostly focuses on the irritated tissues and the load on the foot, not on the spur itself.
What usually helps?
Clinicians usually advise managing load: temporarily reducing what aggravates the pain without stopping movement altogether, then returning gradually. Stretching the calf muscles and the plantar fascia helps, followed by gradual strengthening of the calf and foot muscles that is increased slowly. Comfortable shoes with good support and cushioning also help, and supportive taping or orthoses (insoles) can be short-term options that ease pain while you exercise. Improvement usually takes weeks to months, so patience with the plan matters.
How we treat you at Revibe
- We listen: when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, your work and the shoes you wear
- We examine the foot and heel, ankle movement, calf and foot strength, and how you walk
- We identify what keeps the pain going, such as load, footwear and muscle tightness
- We treat: manual therapy, release of muscle knots in the calf and sole, and dry needling or cupping when useful as part of the plan
- We progress with a home exercise programme and guidance on load and footwear until you are back to your activities
When do you need urgent medical care?
- Sudden leg pain or swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain — call an ambulance: 911 in Jordan or 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan
- A hot, red, swollen heel with fever
- Being unable to stand on the foot, or sudden severe pain after an injury or fall
- Numbness or burning in the foot, or a wound that does not heal in someone with diabetes
- Severe constant night pain, even at rest, or with unexplained weight loss
In these cases go to the nearest emergency department or a doctor straight away — instead of booking physiotherapy.
FAQ
Should I stop walking if my heel hurts?
Usually complete rest is not needed. We temporarily reduce what increases the pain and adjust your load, then build back up gradually with exercise.
Is the heel spur on my X-ray the cause of my pain?
Not necessarily. Spurs are very common even in people without pain; the cause of the pain is found through examination, not the image alone.
Do I need insoles or taping?
Not everyone does. They may ease pain for a while and help you exercise, but they are a short-term option, not a replacement for exercise and load management.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and how long you have had it; after the first assessment we explain the plan and the expected number of sessions.
More common questions: Foot and ankle questions — 27 questions
Ready to start?
Book your first session at Revibe Clinic in Amman (it starts with an assessment), or message us on WhatsApp.
Related pages
Source: NICE CKS — Plantar fasciitis · Koc TA Jr et al. (2023). Heel Pain — Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 53(12):CPG1–CPG39
Reviewed by Ahmed AlKhatib, licensed physiotherapist — 22 October 2026
This information is general education and does not replace a clinical assessment.