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Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It usually settles with stretching, footwear changes and time. If it doesn’t, shockwave therapy is one of the best-studied treatments.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running along the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. When it becomes irritated where it attaches to the heel, it causes heel pain. It’s often called plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain.
It’s most common between 40 and 60, in runners, people who stand for long periods, and people who are overweight.
Symptoms
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
First-step pain
Sharp heel pain with your first steps in the morning or after sitting.
Heel tenderness
A tender spot on the underside of the heel.
Pain after activity
Pain that’s worse after, rather than during, exercise.
Pain standing
Pain after long periods on your feet.
Treatment options
Treatment for plantar fasciitis
Shockwave therapy
£90 a session
Radial or focused shockwave for heel pain that has lasted three months or more despite other treatment.
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Dr Gabriel Azzini
Doctor, Sport & Exercise Medicine
GMC 7689922
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
Severe plantar fasciitis. Had several sessions with Gary, shockwave therapy. Really has settled down well. Gary provides calm reassurance coupled with great knowledge and expertise in the field.
Graham C. · 2026 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
Gary is very knowledgeable and has given me lots of great advice and the treatment has been great! My pain levels are much better… Booking was easy using the online system and Gary has been very helpful and friendly.
Emily C. · 2023 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
I’ve just had my 6th treatment for plantar fasciitis and I am very happy with the reduction in pain so far. Gary has been so informative and invested in my healing process.
Olivia M. · 2025 · Google review
Achilles tendinopathy★★★★★
Gary was a great help, in particular his recommendations on using the balance pad to strengthen surrounding tendons… It took a long time to notice any major improvement… Give it a go, but please don’t expect it to work quickly and solve everything.
Max E. · 2026 · Google review
Achilles tendinopathy★★★★★
After an initial consultation with Gary for achilles tendonitis, an ultrasound scan followed by shockwave treatment, I then had weekly sessions over a period of 2 months… The shockwave results weren’t instantaneous and the pain sometimes fluctuated.
Mel R. · 2025 · Google review
Calcific tendonitis★★★★★
Attended Gary at the Vale Health Clinic for chronic shoulder calcific tendinopathy… Gary was informative, without being condescending, and explaining everything he was doing and why, as well as being personable and chatty!
Alison W. · 2026 · Google review
Tennis elbow★★★★★
I have had 5 sessions with Gary, and so far things are going really well. I am not totally pain free but am now able to do most things without a problem. He gave me gentle exercises to do… Gary is very knowledgeable and takes time to listen to you.
It’s one of the best-studied treatments for long-standing heel pain. A randomised trial found focused shockwave worked better than a placebo treatment at 12 weeks [1]. It doesn’t work for everyone.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually 3 to 8 sessions, depending on your scan and how long you’ve had symptoms.
Should I rest my foot?
Reduce activities that make it worse, but keep moving. Stretching and supportive footwear help most people.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Gollwitzer H, Saxena A, DiDomenico LA, et al. Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled multicenter study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2015;97(9):701–708. doi:10.2106/JBJS.M.01331
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
