Especially in people on their feet all day

If you’re a nurse, teacher, shop assistant, or tradesperson who’s on your feet from morning to night, you’re not alone in feeling that deep, nagging heel pain by the end of the day.

At Essex Footcare, we see this kind of pain every single week in our Billericay, Basildon, and Romford clinics. It’s one of the most common reasons people come to see a podiatrist or chiropodist, and the good news is, with the right care, it can be treated and prevented.

 

👣 Why heel pain happens

Your heel takes on the full force of your body weight every step you take. Over time, standing or walking for long hours, especially on hard floors or in unsupportive shoes, puts strain on the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue that supports your arch.

This can lead to tiny tears and inflammation known as plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain where pain is often worst first thing in the morning as you take the first few steps. It hurts!

But sometimes, the pain can also come from:

• A tight Achilles tendon pulling on the heel bone
• Poor footwear or arches that flatten too much
• Uneven posture or gait/ walking pattern that shifts pressure to the wrong places
• Or simply the effects of fatigue and overuse

 

Why certain jobs make it worse

Some professions make you more likely to suffer from heel pain because of the constant strain and lack of recovery time.

If you spend hours on your feet every day; teaching, nursing, working in retail, hairdressing, or construction, your feet rarely get the break they need. Hard floors, safety boots can make things even worse.

Your body adapts silently over time, until one day, the pain stops you in your tracks.

 

 

The problem with “Just coping”
Many of our patients tell us they’ve “just lived with it” for months or even years, trying different insoles, rolling their foot on a tennis ball, or taking painkillers.

But without understanding what’s really causing the problem, the pain often returns or even gets worse.

That’s why we take the time to look deeper. Our approach combines hands-on assessment with advanced gait and motion scanning to understand how your foot moves, balances, and carries your weight, right down to 0.1mm accuracy.

 

Some tips to help you:

If your heel pain feels sharp first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while, it could be plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the thick ligament that supports your arch.

 

Here are a few small things that can help ease discomfort at home:

👣 Support your feet: Wear shoes that are not sloppy or too big — even indoors. Walking barefoot on hard floors can make symptoms worse.

🧊 Reduce inflammation: Rolling your foot gently over a cold can or frozen water bottle for 5–10 minutes can calm irritation but this can only be a short-term fix to relieve symptoms over using ice can actually limit the healing process.

🧘‍♀️ Do not carry out deep stretching without guidance however gentle stretches can ease tightness. Try light calf and foot stretches morning and evening — this keeps the ligament flexible and reduces tension.

 

These steps can bring short-term comfort, but they don’t solve the underlying cause. Everyone’s feet, posture and gait are unique, which means the reasons for heel pain often are too.

At Essex Footcare, we look beyond symptoms to understand why your plantar fascia is under strain. Through gait scanning, footwear assessment, and custom Phits orthoses, we design a plan that’s as individual as your footprint, helping you heal properly, not just temporarily.

 

 

A clear plan, not just a quick fix
Once we understand what’s happening, we’ll create a custom plan to relieve pain and stop it coming back.
That may include:

• Gait analysis and posture assessment
• Footwear review and advice
• A tailored home rehab programme
• Custom 3D-printed Phits orthotics – the same technology trusted by Sir Mo Farah and other elite athletes
• And if needed, shockwave therapy to help chronic heel pain heal faster

 

We know there’s no magic wand, but with the right plan, we help people get back to walking, working, and living comfortably again.

 

💙 Why choose Essex Footcare?

With over 35 years of experience, our team has cared for thousands of people with heel and foot pain.
We’re not just about feet, we’re about helping you move freely, stay active, and enjoy life again.

At our friendly clinics in Billericay, Basildon, and Romford, you’ll find the right mix of technology, experience, and genuine care.

 

🌿 Ready to take the first step?

If heel pain is stopping you from doing what you love, let’s find out what’s really going on and start your recovery today.

📍 Visit us at Essex Footcare
👉 Book your journey to recovery, call your nearest clinic in Billericay 01277 659200, Basildon 01268 553653, or Romford 01708 728498