Foot & heel
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain — North Vancouver
The classic morning heel-stab that makes you hobble out of bed. We sort out whether it's the fascia, the calf, the way your foot loads — and fix the actual cause.
What it is
Understanding your plantar fasciitis / heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis is the misleading name we give to most chronic heel pain. "Itis" implies inflammation, but the tissue under the heel is usually more degenerative than inflamed — which is why anti-inflammatories help for about three days and then stop.
The classic presentation is hands-down: stabbing heel pain in the first few steps in the morning, easing as you walk, then coming back later in the day after standing or training. Sometimes the arch is also tender. Sometimes the achilles is tight as a rope.
What's actually going on is usually a combination — a calf that doesn't lengthen well under load, foot mechanics that overload the inside of the heel, and a fascia that's stopped tolerating its normal job. The fix is rarely one thing.
What to expect
Acute cases often settle inside 4–6 weeks with the right loading. Chronic plantar fasciitis (over 6 months) usually needs 3–5 shockwave sessions on top, but most respond meaningfully inside 8 weeks.
Get a plan
Not sure if we're the right fit?
Send us a quick note about what's going on. A physiotherapist — not a receptionist — will read it and reply with what they'd recommend. No commitment to book.
Common questions
About plantar fasciitis / heel pain.
Is shockwave therapy actually evidence-based?+
Yes — for chronic plantar fasciitis specifically, it's one of the more consistently supported modalities in the physiotherapy literature. We use it as a layer on top of loading and manual therapy, not as a standalone treatment.
Do I need a cortisone injection?+
Usually no. Cortisone can settle pain short-term but doesn't change the underlying tissue, and repeated injections can weaken the fascia. We reserve injection referrals for stubborn cases that haven't responded to conservative care.
Will I need custom orthotics for life?+
Not necessarily. Some people benefit long-term, others use them as a bridge while the tissue heals and then phase them out. We're happy to fit you with them if they're indicated — and equally happy to say so if they're not.
Can I keep running while we treat this?+
Usually yes — at reduced volume and on a smarter schedule. Complete rest often makes plantar fasciitis worse, not better. We'll set running parameters that let the tissue calm down without de-conditioning you.
I've been rolling a frozen water bottle for months. Is that helping?+
It helps for a few minutes, then wears off. Pain modulation, not tissue healing. The loading work is what changes the underlying tissue. Roll the bottle if it feels good — but don't expect it to be the whole answer.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual presentations vary — assessment findings and treatment plans differ from person to person. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, neurological changes (numbness, weakness, bowel or bladder changes), or a significant trauma, contact your physician or emergency services. Physiotherapy at Medstar Sport Physio & Health is provided by physiotherapists registered with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC).