Heel pain is something I see regularly at the clinic, but no two cases are ever quite the same. Sometimes it’s a straightforward diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Other times, there’s more going on beneath the surface, and when the pain has been present for months (or even years), it often means the condition has evolved into something more complex, or that additional structures are involved.
One patient who recently came to see me had exactly that kind of presentation. They were a regular dog walker, someone used to being active every day, but after 8 months of battling persistent heel pain, even short walks had become difficult. They’d been told it was plantar fasciitis, but despite trying various treatments, there’d been no lasting relief. The pain had become constant, sometimes sharp, sometimes aching or burning, and it was beginning to affect everything: mobility, sleep, and overall well-being.
During their assessment, it became clear that this wasn’t just classic plantar fasciitis. Alongside typical signs of plantar fasciopathy, there were also neural symptoms, pointing to tarsal tunnel syndrome and likely Baxter’s nerve entrapment as co-contributors. These are conditions that often go undiagnosed but can be the reason why standard heel pain treatments don’t work.
We started with MLS laser therapy, a dual-wavelength laser that reduces inflammation and promotes healing at a cellular level. It’s a non-invasive, pain-free approach that can be particularly effective in cases involving nerve irritation. After a few sessions, we saw a reduction in the neural-type symptoms, less tingling, fewer flares, and better comfort during rest.
As the pain settled, we introduced radial shockwave therapy, which has strong clinical evidence behind it for chronic plantar fasciitis. By stimulating tissue repair and improving circulation at the fascia insertion point, shockwave can break the cycle of pain and promote long-term healing. It’s a more active treatment, so we used it at a carefully judged stage in their recovery.
Alongside treatment, we looked at their footwear and foot biomechanics. They’d been wearing a neutral shoe without much heel support or cushioning, so we made some adjustments there and introduced a stretching and loading programme tailored to their presentation.
After several weeks of consistent care, they were walking pain-free and, more importantly, confidently. No flare-ups, no heel discomfort, and back to enjoying daily dog walks without thinking about every step.
They kindly shared the following review:
This kind of outcome is always satisfying, not because the treatments themselves are a magic fix, but because they’re used at the right time, with the right understanding of the underlying pathology. Heel pain isn’t always one diagnosis. Often, it’s several overlapping factors, fascia irritation, nerve compression, loading issues, and each needs to be addressed in a way that suits the individual.
If you’re in Meriden, Coventry, Solihull, or surrounding areas like Balsall Common, Knowle, Kenilworth or Leamington. If you’re struggling with heel pain, whether it’s plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or something more stubborn, feel free to get in touch. We use shockwave therapy, MLS laser therapy, and a full biomechanical approach to help patients walk again without pain.