The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament supporting your arch becomes inflamed. This typically develops from overuse, prolonged standing, or poor footwear support.

During sleep, the plantar fascia tightens. When you take your first steps, the sudden stretch causes sharp pain. This is a classic sign of plantar fasciitis.

Mild cases may improve with rest, but without proper treatment, heel pain can become chronic and harder to resolve over time.

If your pain lasts more than 1–2 weeks, worsens, or affects your ability to walk comfortably, it’s important to get evaluated early.

Treatment may include stretching programs, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, shockwave therapy, or advanced in-office procedures to relieve pain and restore function.