Conditions
Plantar fasciitis: heel pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch of the foot; when it is overloaded, it hurts on the inner part of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or when getting up after sitting. It affects runners, people who spend many hours standing and those who have changed footwear or gained weight. Most cases improve without surgery. Dr Julio De la Morena examines it with ultrasound during the same consultation at Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid).
Common symptoms
- Pain on the inner, weight-bearing part of the heel.
- Sharp pain with the first steps in the morning that eases after walking for a while.
- Pain when getting up after sitting and at the end of the day.
- In runners, pain at the start or end of a run.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is mainly clinical. Ultrasound in the consultation measures the thickness of the fascia, compares it with the healthy foot and rules out tears and other causes of heel pain, such as nerve irritation, a stress fracture or Achilles tendon problems. The heel spur sometimes seen on X-ray is not the cause of the pain: many people have one without symptoms.
Non-surgical treatment
- Specific stretching of the plantar fascia and calf, especially before the first steps of the day.
- Progressive strengthening of the foot and calf muscles.
- Footwear and insoles. Well-cushioned shoes and, when indicated, a gait assessment and insoles.
- Load adjustment in runners: volume, pace and surface.
- Autologous growth factors guided by ultrasound in selected chronic cases, avoiding repeated corticosteroid injections, which can weaken the fascia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does plantar fasciitis last?
Most cases improve within a few months with consistent treatment. The longer the pain has lasted, the longer it takes to resolve, so it is worth treating early.
Does a heel spur need surgery?
Almost never. A heel spur is a common X-ray finding and is not usually the cause of the pain. Treatment is aimed at the plantar fascia.
Can I keep running with plantar fasciitis?
It depends on the pain. Often you can keep a reduced, adjusted load during treatment, alternating with cycling or swimming.
Which doctor treats plantar fasciitis in Madrid?
Dr Julio De la Morena, specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine, at the Regenerative Therapies and Sports Medicine Unit of Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid). Appointments on +34 913 548 990.
Would you like your case assessed?
Examination and ultrasound in the same appointment: you leave with a diagnosis and a plan. First appointment with no commitment to treatment: if nothing is indicated, we tell you.
Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón · Pozuelo de Alarcón · +34 913 548 990 · Mon–Fri, 3 pm to 9 pm
Written and reviewed by Dr Julio De la Morena Garzón, specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Madrid Medical Council no. 281903698). Last reviewed: October 2026. General information that does not replace a medical consultation.