Plantar Fascia Injection for Heel Pain, Cardiff & South Wales
Heel numbed first, so the injection is comfortable. Ultrasound-guided steroid for plantar fasciitis by a Consultant Radiologist, with most people feeling the difference within 1–2 weeks.
injection with ankle block
What's included for £399
- ✓Consultation with a Consultant Radiologist
- ✓Ankle block to numb the heel and sole
- ✓Ultrasound-guided steroid injection
- ✓Written report and aftercare advice
- ✓Stretching and footwear advice
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
the difference
often longer
every year
reviews on Google
Why choose Acorn
Consultant-performed
Dr Syed Junaid or Dr Huw Edwards scans your foot and performs the injection themselves.
Heel numbed first
An ankle block numbs the heel before the injection, so it's far more comfortable.
Seen within 48 hours
No long wait in pain. Most appointments are booked within 48 hours of enquiry.
HIW regulated
Inspected by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, with GMC-registered consultants.
Easing heel pain, comfortably
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running along the sole of your foot, from the heel to the toes. When it becomes irritated and thickened, it causes plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain. It typically hurts most with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Many cases settle with stretching, supportive footwear and insoles, but when the pain drags on for months, an injection can help. At Acorn we use an ankle block first: a small injection of local anaesthetic near the ankle that numbs the heel and sole. Then, guided by live ultrasound, your consultant places steroid precisely into the thickened, inflamed area.
The heel is one of the most sensitive places to inject, so the ankle block makes a real difference to comfort. Most people feel the benefit within 1–2 weeks, with relief typically lasting 3–6 months and often longer when combined with stretching.
A plantar fascia injection may help if any of these sound familiar
Three steps to easier walking
Guided on live ultrasound by a Consultant Radiologist.
Numb the heel first
An ankle block, a small injection of local anaesthetic near the ankle, numbs the heel and sole so the main injection is comfortable.
Guided injection
Your consultant scans the plantar fascia on ultrasound and guides steroid precisely to the thickened, inflamed area, avoiding the heel's protective fat pad.
Stretch and support
As the pain settles, keep up your stretches and supportive footwear or insoles. That's what helps stop the pain coming back.
Your consultant will scan your foot first and tell you honestly whether an injection is the right treatment, or whether stretching, insoles or another option would suit you better.
Plantar fasciitis treatment options
Most people do best with a combination. We'll help you choose the right next step.
Stretching & insoles
- What it does
- Reduces strain on the plantar fascia
- On its own
- Often works, but can take months
- At Acorn
- Alongside every option
Injection + ankle block
- What it does
- Calms inflammation, heel numbed first
- Relief
- Often within 1–2 weeks
- At Acorn
- £399
PRP (ACP)
- What it does
- Growth factors from your own blood
- Treatment
- Course of 3 injections
- At Acorn
- £500
Surgery
- What it does
- Releases part of the plantar fascia
- Recovery
- Hospital procedure, longer recovery
- At Acorn
- Onward referral if needed
Your procedure, step by step
Meet your consultant
We talk through your heel pain, what you've tried so far and your medication.
Ankle block
A small injection near the ankle numbs your heel and sole. It takes a few minutes to work.
Guided injection
Steroid is placed into the thickened plantar fascia under live ultrasound. Allow about 30 minutes in total.
Home with a lift
Aftercare, stretching and footwear advice before you leave. Arrange a lift, as your foot will be numb.
What recovery looks like
First few hours
Your heel and sole will be numb from the ankle block. Walk carefully and avoid hot surfaces until feeling returns.
Days 1–3
Some soreness is normal as the anaesthetic wears off. Rest from running, long walks and standing for long periods.
Weeks 1–2
Most people feel the heel pain easing. Keep up your calf and foot stretches, and wear supportive shoes.
Following weeks
Build back up gradually to walking, standing and exercise. Insoles can help take strain off the plantar fascia.
3–6 months
Typical length of relief, often longer if you keep stretching and supporting your foot.
Any concerns
Call us on 029 2199 9300 if your foot becomes hot, red or increasingly painful, or you feel unwell.
Preparation — no fasting needed
How to prepare for your plantar fascia injection
Afterwards: walk carefully while your foot is numb and avoid hot surfaces. Rest from running, long walks and prolonged standing for a few days, then build back up gradually and keep stretching.
What our patients say
I got in touch re pain in my foot, and after having insoles in my shoes and then a scan, followed by a cortisone injection, my pain has now gone! All within weeks!
Had severe pain in my foot and ankle area. Was really scared to be honest at first as I am dead scared of needles but Dr Junaid was very good and skilled. Pain is now much better.
I was given an almost immediate appointment with clear guidance. Dr Syed conversed with me in a reassuring manner. I left with excellent aftercare advice. The next day I am completely pain free!
Transparent, all-inclusive
One price for the whole procedure, with no hidden extras.
Steroid injection
- ✓For joints, bursae and tendons elsewhere
- ✓Diagnostic scan of the area included
- ✓Ultrasound-guided by a consultant
Plantar fascia + ankle block
- ✓Heel numbed first with an ankle block
- ✓Ultrasound-guided steroid injection
- ✓Stretching and footwear advice
High-volume Achilles injection
- ✓For chronic Achilles tendinopathy
- ✓30–40ml of saline and local anaesthetic
- ✓Part of your rehab programme
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
All prices include consultation, ultrasound-guided procedure, medication, written report and aftercare advice.
Plantar fascia injections at our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about plantar fascia injections
How much does a plantar fascia injection cost in Cardiff?
An ultrasound-guided plantar fascia injection with ankle block at Acorn is £399 all-inclusive. That covers the consultant consultation, the ankle block, the ultrasound-guided steroid injection, sterile equipment, a written report and aftercare advice.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is irritation and thickening of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the sole of your foot from the heel to the toes. It's one of the most common causes of heel pain, and typically hurts most with your first steps in the morning or after sitting.
What is an ankle block and why do you use it?
An ankle block is a small injection of local anaesthetic near the ankle that numbs the heel and sole. The heel is one of the most sensitive places to inject, so numbing it first means the main injection is far more comfortable.
Why does ultrasound guidance matter?
Ultrasound shows exactly where the plantar fascia is thickened, so the steroid goes to the right spot. It also helps us avoid injecting into the heel's fat pad, the natural cushion under your heel.
How quickly does it work?
Most people feel the difference within 1–2 weeks. The local anaesthetic numbs the heel for several hours on the day, then the steroid takes over as it calms the inflammation.
How long does the relief last?
Typically 3–6 months, and for many people much longer, especially if you keep up your stretches and wear supportive footwear or insoles.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, a referral is required for all injections. It can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant. Please email it to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment. No referral? Book a £120 consultation with one of our doctors first.
Can I drive home afterwards?
No, please arrange a lift. The ankle block leaves your heel and sole numb for several hours, so you won't be able to feel the pedals properly.
What should I do afterwards?
Walk carefully while your foot is numb and avoid hot surfaces, as you won't feel them. Rest from running, long walks and standing for long periods for a few days, then build back up gradually and continue your stretches.
What are the risks?
Side effects are uncommon. You may have some soreness for a day or two, and some people get a short steroid flare. Rarely, steroid in the heel can cause thinning of the fat pad or weakening of the plantar fascia, which is one reason we use ultrasound guidance and limit repeat injections. Infection is very rare.
I'm diabetic. Can I have it?
Usually, yes. Steroid can raise blood sugar for a few days, so check your levels more often afterwards. Let us know when you book.
Can I have more than one injection?
If the first injection helps but the pain returns, a repeat may be possible after at least 3 months. We keep repeat heel injections to a minimum and will discuss other options if you need them often.
Is it covered by health insurance?
Many insurers cover it when there's a clinical need. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga and Allianz. Check with your insurer and bring an authorisation code.
Where can I have a plantar fascia injection near Cardiff?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre with free street parking.
Take the pain out of every step.
An ultrasound-guided plantar fascia injection with ankle block, performed by a Consultant Radiologist. Home the same day, most appointments within 48 hours. £399 all-inclusive.
Still not sure? Start with a £120 consultation.
We'll examine you, scan if needed and recommend the right treatment. Book your procedure the same day and the £120 is credited against it.
Book a consultation