Why is heel pain worst in the morning?
The plantar fascia tightens overnight, so the first steps stretch it suddenly. Morning pain that eases with movement is a classic sign of plantar fasciitis.
How long does heel pain take to heal?
With the right programme most cases improve within a few weeks to a few months. Consistency with exercises and footwear changes is key.
When is surgery indicated for heel pain?
Very rarely. Plantar heel pain resolves with conservative care — loading exercise, footwear changes and time — in the vast majority of cases; surgery is considered only after 6–12 months of genuinely thorough non-surgical care has failed, and carries real risks of its own. A sudden snap at the back of the heel with weak push-off is different — that needs urgent assessment for Achilles rupture.