Heel and foot pain (Plantar fasciitis) at a Glance
Most common causes
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Heel spur
- Overuse or unsupportive footwear
- Flat feet
- Gout or injury
When to seek medical attention
- Pain after an injury
- Inability to bear weight
- Swelling, redness or warmth
- Numbness
- Pain that keeps worsening
Specialist: Dr Rahul K Damani · Orthopedics
What is Heel and foot pain (Plantar fasciitis)?
The feet carry the whole body, so heel and foot pain is common and can affect walking and daily life. The most frequent cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis — strain of the tissue along the sole — which typically causes sharp pain with the first steps in the morning. Other causes include overuse, unsupportive footwear, flat feet, gout and injury. Most foot pain improves with the right diagnosis, footwear advice, stretches and treatment, so it is worth addressing early.
Common Causes
Plantar Fasciitis
- • Sharp heel pain with first morning steps
- • Eases then returns
- • Worse after rest or long standing
Heel Spur
- • Heel pain
- • Often linked with plantar fasciitis
Overuse / Footwear
- • Pain after standing or walking a lot
- • Linked to hard or worn footwear
Gout / Injury
- • Sudden hot, swollen joint (gout)
- • Pain after a twist or fall (injury)
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ Foot pain after an injury or fall
- ▸ Inability to put weight on the foot
- ▸ Swelling, redness or warmth in the foot
- ▸ Numbness or tingling in the foot
- ▸ Pain with fever or feeling unwell
- ▸ Pain that steadily worsens despite rest
How Doctors Evaluate Heel and foot pain (Plantar fasciitis)
Your consultation may include: a history of when the pain occurs (such as first steps in the morning), examination of the foot, arch and tenderness, footwear and gait review, an X-ray when needed, and further tests if gout or injury is suspected. This guides simple, effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heel and foot pain (Plantar fasciitis) Care in Guwahati
Patients from GS Road, Beltola, Dispur, Six Mile, Ganeshguri, Maligaon, Rehabari and Zoo Road can consult our Orthopedics specialist at Healthwrx. Expert foot care close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When is foot pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care if you cannot bear weight after an injury, or the foot is swollen, red and warm with fever.
Which doctor treats heel and foot pain?
An orthopedic specialist diagnoses and treats heel pain, plantar fasciitis and foot problems.
Can plantar fasciitis go away?
Yes. With stretches, supportive footwear and treatment, most cases of plantar fasciitis improve well.