Heel pain and plantar fasciitis in Rochdale
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The thick band of tissue under your foot becomes irritated where it joins the heel, and it usually hurts most with your first steps in the morning or after resting. At Ray's Podiatry, heel pain is assessed in a 60-minute biomechanical appointment (£65) to find the cause and set out a treatment plan.
Updated October 2026 by Ray's Podiatry
Book if you notice
- Sharp pain under the heel with your first steps of the day
- Pain after standing for a long time or after exercise
- Heel pain that's lasted more than a few weeks
- Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel
What’s included
- Biomechanical and gait assessment
- Footwear assessment
- Stretching and strengthening advice
- Orthotics prescription if it will help
What happens
- Step 1
Find the cause
Ray checks where the pain is, how your foot moves and what your shoes and activity are doing to the heel.
- Step 2
Ease the pain
You'll get advice on footwear, stretches and how to reduce what's aggravating it.
- Step 3
Fix the mechanics
Insoles or footwear changes take load off the heel where needed, alongside a plan to rebuild strength.
What helps at home
- Wear shoes with a cushioned heel and good arch support.
- Stretch your calves and the sole of your foot every day.
- Hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the heel for up to 20 minutes.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.
When to get urgent help
Call NHS 111 or see a GP urgently if the pain is severe or started suddenly after an injury, you can't walk, or your foot is hot, red and swollen.
Questions about heel pain and plantar fasciitis
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
- It often settles within several months with the right care, but it can last longer if the cause isn't dealt with. Starting treatment early usually shortens recovery.
Will insoles fix my heel pain?
- They can help when the way your foot moves is overloading the heel. Ray will assess whether orthotics are right for you, alongside stretching, strengthening and footwear changes.
Should I stop walking or exercising?
- Not usually. Cut back on what makes it worse, but gentle activity and daily stretching help it recover.