Appointments only · Reception Mon–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–3:30pm, Sat 10am–1:30pm (01) 575 2623
Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Book Appointment

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain Treatment in Dublin

By Dr Lawrence Woods

Plantar fasciitis (also called plantar heel pain or plantar fasciopathy) is a common cause of pain under the heel. It is common in runners and in people who spend a lot of time on their feet. This page explains what it is, what the research shows, and how we approach plantar fasciitis and heel pain treatment at our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot, from your heel to your toes. When it becomes painful, the typical symptoms are [1]:

  • pain under the heel or in the arch
  • pain that is much worse when you take your first steps in the morning or after resting
  • pain that may ease as you get moving, then return after a long time on your feet

Other causes of heel pain include Achilles tendinopathy (pain at the back of the heel), bursitis, and, after an injury, a fracture or ruptured Achilles tendon [2]. Plantar heel pain often improves with time, but it can be slow.

What does the research show for plantar fasciitis treatment?

We follow the US physiotherapy guideline for heel pain (2023) [3] and a best-practice guide published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2021) [4].

The basics: taping, stretching, education and footwear

The best-supported first treatments are [3][4]:

  • taping the foot, for short-term relief
  • stretching the plantar fascia and calf
  • advice about the condition and how to manage your activity
  • footwear: supportive, cushioned shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot on hard surfaces [1]

The US guideline also supports hands-on treatment of the foot and lower leg, and a night splint for 1 to 3 months if first-step pain in the morning is your main problem [3].

Strength exercise

The US guideline recommends exercise that includes strengthening the foot and ankle [3]. In a Danish trial, a heavy heel-raise exercise helped people improve faster at 3 months than stretching alone, but by 12 months the results were similar [5]. In a Norwegian trial where everyone had advice and custom insoles, adding an exercise programme gave no extra benefit at 6 months [6]. So strength work may speed recovery and help you get back to running, but it is not a cure on its own.

Insoles

The US guideline advises against insoles (orthoses) as the only treatment, but says they can be used along with other treatment [3]. Custom insoles are usually considered if you are improving slowly [4].

Shockwave

Shockwave has more support for plantar heel pain than for most other conditions, but the evidence is mixed:

  • The 2021 best-practice guide suggests adding shockwave if the basics are not working after about 4 weeks, with both focused and radial shockwave showing benefit in pooled trials [4].
  • In the Norwegian trial, adding radial shockwave to advice and custom insoles gave no extra benefit over sham shockwave at 6 months [6].
  • NICE says shockwave for plantar fasciitis raises no major safety concerns, but the evidence on how well it works is inconsistent, so patients should understand the uncertainty and be given clear written information [7].

We may suggest shockwave if your heel pain has not settled with good basic care, and we will explain the evidence honestly first. It can be uncomfortable during treatment.

Laser

The US guideline supports low-level laser as part of a treatment plan for short-term pain relief [3]. We use it, if at all, alongside the basics above, not instead of them.

How we approach plantar fasciitis in Dublin

Our clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin is led by Dr Lawrence Woods, a chiropractor with over 30 years' experience, and Kate Ryan, a CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapist and member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), who has a special interest in running injuries and tendinopathy.

  • Assessment first. Your first visit is an assessment, which includes a first treatment if it is suitable.
  • The basics first. Taping, stretching, footwear advice and a plan for your activity, adding strength work as your foot settles.
  • A review at your sixth visit. We check your progress against your goals. If you are not improving, we will say so and talk about other options, including shockwave, insoles or seeing your GP.

Questions about plantar fasciitis

How long does plantar fasciitis last?

It often improves over months rather than weeks. Most people get better with the basic treatments above, but it can be slow and frustrating.

Do I need a scan?

Usually not. It is normally diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. If your pain is unusual or not improving, we may refer you to your GP.

Can I see you without a GP referral?

Yes, you can book directly. After your assessment, we may refer you to your GP if you need further tests.

If you would like an assessment, you can book an appointment, start with our online questionnaire, or contact us with any questions. See also our pages on Achilles tendinopathy and running injuries.

Sources

  1. HSE (2025). Plantar fasciitis. Health Service Executive, Ireland. Page last reviewed 14 October 2025. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/
  2. HSE (2024). Heel pain. Health Service Executive, Ireland. Page last reviewed 13 October 2024. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/heel-pain/
  3. Koc TA, Bise CG, Neville C, et al. (2023). Heel pain – plantar fasciitis: revision 2023. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 53(12):CPG1–CPG39. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2023.0303
  4. Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J'Bari A, et al. (2021). Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. British Journal of Sports Medicine 55(19):1106–1118. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970
  5. Rathleff MS, Mølgaard CM, Fredberg U, et al. (2015). High-load strength training improves outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 25(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12313
  6. Heide M, Røe C, Mørk M, et al. (2024). Is radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), sham-rESWT or a standardised exercise programme in combination with advice plus customised foot orthoses more effective than advice plus customised foot orthoses alone in the treatment of plantar fasciopathy? A double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine 58(16):910–918. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108139
  7. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2009). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory plantar fasciitis (IPG311). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg311