Plantar fasciitis and heel pain treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting around 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. At the Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our therapists offer effective treatments to reduce pain, restore normal function and help you get back on your feet.

On this page

1. About plantar fasciitis
2. Common causes and risk factors
3. Symptoms
4. How we treat heel pain
5. Research and evidence
6. Self-help advice
7. Our acupuncturist

1. About plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, from the heel bone to the base of the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock during walking and running.

Plantar fasciitis develops when this tissue becomes overloaded, resulting in microtears and chronic irritation at the point where it attaches to the heel bone. Despite the name ending in "-itis", the condition is actually more degenerative than inflammatory – which is why treatments aimed at loading and stimulating tissue repair are most effective.

2. Common causes and risk factors

• Sudden increase in running or walking
• Standing for long periods on hard surfaces
• Unsupportive footwear or worn-out shoes
• Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon
• High arches or flat feet
• Being overweight
• Age 40 to 60
• Occupations that involve prolonged standing (teachers, nurses, retail staff)

3. Symptoms

• Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning
• Pain that eases with movement but returns after periods of rest
• Pain that worsens after prolonged standing or activity
• Tenderness on the underside of the heel
• Stiffness in the foot, especially in the morning

4. How we treat heel pain

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is highly effective for plantar fasciitis. It reduces pain, improves local circulation to the plantar fascia and stimulates tissue healing. It also releases tension in the calf muscles and along the posterior chain, which is often a major contributing factor.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing plantar fasciitis. Evidence-based approaches include calf stretching, progressive loading exercises for the plantar fascia, and gait analysis to identify and correct contributing biomechanical factors.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy addresses the foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back as an integrated system. Restrictions anywhere in this chain can increase load on the plantar fascia, so a whole-body approach is often effective.

Sports massage

Sports massage releases tightness in the calf muscles, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia itself, improving tissue mobility and reducing the tension contributing to your pain.

5. Research and evidence

Several systematic reviews support the use of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis. A review published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies concluded that acupuncture produced clinically significant pain relief for plantar fasciitis in both the short and medium term. For physiotherapy, NICE and international guidelines recommend calf stretching, plantar fascia stretching and progressive loading exercises as first-line treatments.

6. Self-help advice

• Wear supportive, well-cushioned footwear – avoid going barefoot on hard floors
• Stretch the calves and plantar fascia before getting out of bed in the morning
• Roll the sole of the foot over a frozen water bottle for 10 to 15 minutes
• Reduce high-impact activities temporarily
• Consider an off-the-shelf heel cushion or arch support
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on the feet

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.