If you’ve been dealing with heel pain for months and it’s not improving—despite resting, stretching, and maybe even changing your shoes—you’re not alone. Chronic plantar fasciitis can be stubborn, frustrating, and painful enough to affect your daily life.

The good news? A podiatrist can help get you back on your feet comfortably, even if everything you’ve tried so far hasn’t worked.

Why Plantar Fasciitis Becomes Chronic

Plantar fasciitis happens when the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that supports your arch becomes irritated or inflamed. While many people recover within a few months with rest and gentle stretching, some cases don’t heal as expected.

Here are some common reasons it can drag on:

• Incomplete healing: Stopping treatment too soon can lead to lingering inflammation.

• Underlying foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can keep the fascia under strain.

• Wrong footwear: Shoes without enough support or cushioning can make recovery harder.

• Too much load too soon: Returning to running, sports, or standing for long hours before the fascia is ready can set you back.

• Other conditions: Nerve entrapment or arthritis can sometimes mimic or worsen plantar fasciitis.

Signs Your Heel Pain May Be Chronic

You might be dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis if:

• You’ve had symptoms for more than 6 months.

• Pain is sharp in the morning or after sitting, but also lingers during the day.

• Stretching gives only temporary relief.

• You’ve already tried home remedies without success.

Why Rest and Stretching Alone Aren’t Enough

Rest and stretching are often the first steps, but if they’re the only steps, the fascia may never fully heal. Chronic cases usually need a more tailored approach to address the root cause—not just the symptoms.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

At Peak Podiatry, we take a step-by-step approach to chronic heel pain:

1. Detailed assessment: We look at your foot structure, walking pattern, and footwear.

2. Custom orthotics: Specially made insoles can reduce strain on your plantar fascia.

3. Advanced treatments:

   • Laser therapy to speed healing and reduce inflammation.

   • Shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

4. Strength and mobility plan: Exercises to strengthen your foot and ankle, not just stretch them.

5. Footwear advice: Recommending the best shoes for your foot type and activity level.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Wear supportive shoes—even indoors.

• Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.

• Ice your heel for 10–15 minutes after activity.

• Keep up gentle calf and plantar fascia stretches while following your treatment plan.

The Takeaway

If your plantar fasciitis hasn’t improved after months of rest and stretching, it’s a sign you may need more targeted care. Chronic heel pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence—modern podiatry offers effective solutions to get you moving comfortably again.

At Peak Podiatry in Galway, we specialise in helping people recover from stubborn foot pain, so you can get back to walking, running, and enjoying life without wincing at every step.