Heel Pain with Your First Steps? What It Means and How to Fix It
If you're experiencing heel pain with first steps, you're not alone. This is one of the most common complaints we see at Lower Limb Clinic, and it's often a sign of Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles Tendinopathy. The good news? With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 6-8 weeks with proper treatment.
Common Causes of Heel Pain with First Steps
Plantar Fasciitis
First-step pain is the hallmark of plantar fasciitis. The fascia tightens at rest, and sudden loading when you stand causes micro-tearing and sharp pain.
Who typically experiences this: Adults 40-60, runners, those who stand for work, people with recent weight gain.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel with first steps indicates Achilles tendon problems rather than plantar fasciitis.
Who typically experiences this: Runners, middle-aged recreational athletes, those who've increased training.
Without proper assessment, it's impossible to know exactly what's causing your heel pain with first steps. What works for Plantar Fasciitis may not help—or could worsen—Achilles Tendinopathy.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You should book an assessment if:
- First-step pain occurs daily
- Symptoms have lasted more than 2 weeks
- The pain is getting worse over time
- Simple stretching isn't helping
"Most patients we see have tried various home remedies before booking. You're not wasting our time—persistent symptoms warrant professional assessment."
Our Diagnostic Approach
At your initial consultation, we'll:
Take a detailed history
Understanding when your heel pain with first steps started, what makes it better or worse, and your activity levels.
Physical examination
Hands-on assessment of your foot, ankle, and lower limb.
Biomechanical assessment
Evaluating how you stand and walk, identifying any contributing factors.
Gait analysis (if indicated)
Video and pressure plate analysis to understand your movement patterns.
We'll explain our findings clearly and discuss all treatment options before recommending a plan.
How We Treat Heel Pain with First Steps
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
Pre-standing stretches
Specific techniques to reduce first-step pain
Night splints
Keep the fascia stretched overnight
Custom orthotics
Support and offload the affected structures
Shockwave therapy
For persistent cases
"We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Your plan will be tailored to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals."
"I'd been suffering with heel pain with first steps for months before finally coming to Lower Limb Clinic. Within weeks of starting treatment, the improvement was remarkable. Wish I'd come sooner!"
— Verified Patient Review
Common Questions About Heel Pain with First Steps
Ready to Find Out What's Causing Your Heel Pain with First Steps?
Book a comprehensive assessment with our MSc-qualified specialist. Most patients wish they'd come sooner.
600+ patients have rated us 5 stars on Google