LSRI Harley Street
Central London
19 Harley Street
London W1G 9QJ
Opening hours
- Mon–Sat
- 9am–7pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Conditions we diagnose and treat
Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. When it is overloaded, it becomes thickened and painful where it attaches to the heel bone. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, uses ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and, when simpler measures have not helped, offers ultrasound-guided injection treatment.
Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.
It is more common in runners, people who stand for long periods, people who are overweight, and those with tight calf muscles.
The diagnosis is often clear from your symptoms and examination. Ultrasound confirms it by measuring how thickened the fascia is, and helps rule out other causes of heel pain such as a partial tear or a fat pad problem. MRI is occasionally used to look for a stress fracture of the heel bone or other causes when the picture is unclear.
Most people get better with simple measures, although it can take several months:
If pain persists despite these, injection treatments available at LSRI include:
Read more about tendon and soft-tissue injections at LSRI.
Many cases settle within 6 to 12 months with stretching, footwear changes and activity changes. Treatment aims to ease pain and speed up recovery.
Not usually. Heel spurs are common on X-ray in people with no pain at all. The thickened, irritated fascia is usually the source.
Often one is enough to settle pain so you can continue your exercises. Repeated steroid injections into the heel are avoided.
You may need to reduce your running for a while. Dr Sankaye can advise on a safe return based on your scan.
Our clinics
Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.
Central London
Opening hours
Harrow, Northwest London
Opening hours
One phone number for both clinics: Harley Street (W1G) and Harrow (HA2).