Planter Faciitus



Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Waterford

Heel Pain When Walking? Step Right Can Help

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially if you feel a sharp pain when you take your first steps in the morning or after sitting down.

It can start as a mild ache and gradually become more painful over time — making walking, standing, and everyday life uncomfortable.

At Step Right, we help people manage plantar fasciitis with foot & gait assessments, expert advice, and the right support to reduce strain and get you moving comfortably again.

👉 Book an appointment in Waterford today.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is irritation or strain of the plantar fascia — a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. Its job is to support the arch and absorb shock while you walk.

When the plantar fascia becomes overloaded, it can become painful — most commonly near the heel.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

You may have plantar fasciitis if you notice:

  • Sharp heel pain first thing in the morning
  • Pain after sitting down, then standing up again
  • Heel pain that improves as you move, then returns later
  • Soreness after long walks or standing for long periods
  • Tightness under the foot or through the arch
  • Pain that feels worse on hard floors

Plantar fasciitis can affect one foot or both.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis usually develops when the foot is under too much strain over time.

Common causes include:

  • Standing for long hours (work, retail, factory, farming)
  • Unsupportive or worn-out footwear
  • Flat feet or fallen arches
  • High arches putting pressure through the heel
  • Tight calves and limited ankle flexibility
  • Sudden increase in walking or running
  • Weight changes increasing load on the foot
  • Foot mechanics (how the foot rolls when walking)

The good news is: once the cause is identified, it’s very treatable.

Plantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur (What’s the Difference?)

Many people search “heel spur” when they actually have plantar fasciitis.

A heel spur is a small bony growth that can appear on the heel bone, but it’s often not the main cause of pain. In most cases, the real issue is the strain through the plantar fascia.

A proper assessment helps confirm what’s going on.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment at Step Right

Foot & Gait Assessment (Find the Root Cause)

Plantar fasciitis often keeps coming back when the cause isn’t addressed. At Step Right, we assess:

  • Foot shape and arch type
  • Pressure points and loading patterns
  • How you walk (gait)
  • Footwear fit and support
  • Any contributing factors like tight calves or overuse

This allows us to recommend the right plan — not just guess.

Support & Pressure Relief (Long-Term Comfort)

Depending on your foot type and lifestyle, we may recommend:

  • Supportive footwear changes
  • Arch support or pressure relief options
  • Custom orthotics where appropriate
  • Advice to reduce strain through the heel and arch

The aim is to reduce stress on the plantar fascia so it can settle and recover.

When Should You Get Plantar Fasciitis Checked?

We recommend booking in if:

  • Your heel pain has lasted more than 1–2 weeks
  • You’re limping or changing how you walk
  • Pain is affecting work or daily life
  • You get pain every morning
  • Rest isn’t improving it
  • You’ve tried new shoes with no success

Early treatment usually means faster relief.

Quick Tips That Often Help (While You Wait)

These simple changes can help reduce flare-ups:

  • Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors
  • Wear supportive footwear indoors
  • Avoid worn-out trainers
  • Reduce high-impact activity temporarily
  • Don’t “push through” sharp heel pain

We’ll guide you with the best plan once we assess your feet.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Waterford

At Step Right, we help people recover from plantar fasciitis and heel pain with professional support and a clear plan.

📍 Waterford

👉 Book an appointment today and let’s get you back walking comfortably again.

FAQ: Plantar Fasciitis

How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?

It depends on how long it has been there and what’s causing it. Many people improve steadily with the right support and consistent treatment.

Why is the pain worst in the morning?

Because the plantar fascia tightens during rest, and the first steps stretch it suddenly, causing pain.

Can plantar fasciitis come back?

Yes — especially if footwear and support don’t change. That’s why we focus on preventing recurrence.

Do I need orthotics for plantar fasciitis?

Not always. Some people improve with supportive footwear and simple support changes. If needed, custom orthotics can help long-term.