We’ve all been there - standing up in the morning, only to be greeted by that sharp,

stabbing pain in your heel. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Heel pain can make even the simplest

tasks feel impossible, and we understand just how much it can affect your daily life. But

don’t worry—at Gait and Rehab, we’re here to help you find the relief you need and get you

back to the things you love.

In this blog, we’ll look at three of the most common causes of heel pain—Plantar

Fasciitis, Baxter’s Neuritis, and Fat Pad Atrophy—and share how recognising the signs early

can set you on the path to recovery. We’ll also show you how we can support you

with personalised treatments that are designed to help you heal and get back on your feet.

1. Plantar Fasciitis – The Pain That Won’t Let You Forget It

If you’ve ever jumped out of bed in the morning only to feel like someone’s jabbed a knife

into your heel, you’re not alone. Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel

pain, and it tends to strike hardest first thing in the morning. This is because the plantar

fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot—becomes

overstretched and inflamed from all your daily activities.

How It Feels:

 A sharp, stabbing pain right under the heel, usually on the inside edge.

 Pain that’s worst when you first get out of bed or after sitting for long periods.

 It might feel better once you start moving, but the pain comes back after standing or

walking for a while.

 Tenderness in the inside part of your heel.

Who’s at Risk:

 Runners, people with flat feet or high arches, or anyone who spends a lot of time on

hard surfaces.

 Wearing shoes with poor arch support or having tight calf muscles can also increase

the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Dave’s Story

Let me tell you about Dave, a 48-year-old roofer who came to see us after struggling with

heel pain for months. His work involved long days on his feet, climbing ladders, and walking

on hard surfaces. Every morning, Dave would wake up with intense heel pain that slowly

eased as he moved around, but would always return by the evening. He tried to ignore it,

hoping it would go away, but it didn’t. When he came to Gait and Rehab, we diagnosed him

with plantar fasciitis. We created a treatment plan that included shockwave

therapy, bespoke 3D-printed orthotics (Phits), and laser therapy to reduce pain and

promote healing. Within weeks, Dave felt a huge improvement—and now he’s back to work,

pain-free.

If you’re nodding along because this sounds familiar, don’t wait any longer. We’re here to

help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

2. Baxter’s Neuritis – The Nerve Pain You Might Not Expect

Sometimes, heel pain doesn’t come from the fascia at all—it can actually be caused by your

nerves. Baxter’s Neuritis happens when a nerve in your heel gets compressed, causing deep,

burning pain. It’s easy to mistake this for plantar fasciitis, but the pain is different—it won’t

get better with stretches or common treatments.

How It Feels:

 A deep, burning or aching pain on the inner side of your heel.

 The pain gets worse with activity but doesn’t improve with stretching.

 You might feel tingling, numbness, or that “pins and needles” sensation in the heel

or arch.

 The pain can stick around even when you’re resting, especially after standing or

exercising for long periods.

Who’s at Risk:

 People with flat feet, high arches, or those who wear tight-fitting shoes.

 Athletes, especially runners, who put repeated strain on their feet.

3. Fat Pad Atrophy – When Your Heel’s Cushion Wears Down

Think about that soft, cushioned feeling when you walk barefoot on a soft surface. Now

imagine that feeling disappearing completely—that’s what happens with Fat Pad Atrophy.

Over time, the fat pad in your heel, which naturally absorbs impact, can thin out, leaving

your heel exposed and vulnerable to pain. This type of pain feels different—it’s more like a

deep, bruised ache.

How It Feels:

 A dull, aching pain directly under the centre of your heel.

 Feels like you’re walking on a bruise, especially on hard surfaces.

 Worse when you’re barefoot or wearing shoes with thin soles.

 Your heel might feel “bony” to the touch, with less natural padding.

Who’s at Risk:

 Older adults, long-distance runners, and those who engage in high-impact activities.

 People who’ve had repeated corticosteroid injections, which can break down the fat

pad over time.

How Gait and Rehab Can Help You Feel Better, Faster

Heel pain can be a real roadblock, but it doesn’t have to control your life. At Gait and Rehab,

we believe in providing personalised, compassionate care. We take the time to listen to your

story, understand your pain, and offer solutions that are tailored to you.

Here’s how we can help you start your healing journey:

Advanced Treatment Options:

 Bespoke 3D-Printed Orthotics (Phits): These custom-made orthotics are designed to

support your unique foot structure and offload pressure from painful areas.

 Shockwave Therapy: A cutting-edge treatment that stimulates healing and reduces

stubborn pain, especially for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Baxter’s neuritis.

 Laser Therapy: A gentle, non-invasive treatment that helps heal tissue and nerves,

providing long-lasting pain relief.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Feet?

If heel pain has been slowing you down, it’s time to get the help you deserve. At Gait and

Rehab, we’re not just here to treat your symptoms—we’re here to help you get back to

living your life, pain-free. Whether you’re struggling with morning pain, nerve discomfort, or

bruising sensations in your heel, we’ve got the tools and expertise to guide you through

your recovery.

Don’t wait any longer—book your MSK assessment today and take the first step toward a

future without heel pain.

We’re excited to help you get back to the activities you love, with happy, healthy feet!