Plantar fasciitis in pharmacy practice: recognising heel pain
Plantar fasciitis, also referred to as plantar fasciopathy, is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It can occur at any age but is most frequently observed in adults over 40.
The condition may affect one or both feet and represents a significant proportion of foot-related presentations requiring professional care 1,2.
As a result, pharmacists regularly encounter patients reporting persistent heel pain and reduced mobility.
Understanding the Plantar Fascia
- Supporting the medial longitudinal arch
- Absorbing shock during standing and walking
- Contributing to efficient load transfer throughout the gait cycle
Excessive or repetitive mechanical stress can lead to micro-damage within the plantar fascia. Over time, this results in irritation and pain characteristic of plantar fasciitis.
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis usually presents with heel pain, often without visible signs.
Common features include 3,4
- Sharp or stabbing pain under the heel
- Pain that is most intense with the first steps after rest, particularly in the morning
- Discomfort that increases after prolonged standing, walking, or activity
- Pain typically localised to the medial plantar heel
Some patients report that symptoms ease slightly with gentle movement but return after inactivity.
How patients may describe their pain
In community pharmacy, patients often describe plantar fasciitis in non-medical terms, such as:
- “Deep pain in the heel.”
- “Very painful when I get out of bed.”
- “It improves once I start moving.”
- “Worse after being on my feet all day.”
Understanding these descriptions helps pharmacists recognise plantar fasciitis even when the condition is not named by the patient.
Visible signs and functional impact
In most cases, there are no obvious visible changes to the foot. Mild swelling of the heel may occasionally be present, but diagnosis relies largely on symptom pattern rather than appearance.
Because pain can significantly affect walking and standing, plantar fasciitis may interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
The pharmacist’s role
Pharmacists play an important role in recognising the characteristic symptom pattern of plantar fasciitis, reassuring patients about the nature of the condition, and guiding them toward appropriate next steps, including conservative care and referral when needed.
Resources
- Hamstra-Wright, K.L., et al., Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis in Physically Active Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Health, 2021. 13(3): p. 296-303.
- Koc, T.A., Jr., et al., Heel Pain – Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2023. 53(12): p. CPG1-CPG39.
- Buchanan, B.K., R.E. Sina, and D. Kushner, Plantar Fasciitis, in StatPearls. 2025: Treasure Island (FL) ineligible companies. Disclosure: Reddog Sina declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. Disclosure: Donald Kushner declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
- Muth, C.C., Plantar Fasciitis. JAMA, 2017. 318(4): p. 400.