getting worse, causes numbness or tingling, or isn’t improving with self-care. The NHS advises seeing a clinician if plantar-fasciitis symptoms have not improved after about 2 weeks of self-treatment.
Sudden severe heel pain following an injury — particularly with swelling, difficulty walking, or a popping/snapping sensation — also deserves prompt medical assessment because causes such as a fracture or Achilles tendon rupture need to be considered.
The Bottom Line
Plantar fasciitis can make your first steps in the morning surprisingly painful, but many cases can improve with conservative care.
Gentle plantar
