Claim for Work‑Related Plantar Fasciitis in England and Wales

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

When Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Linked To Your Job?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition which can develop from unsafe working conditions, but can you claim for work-related Plantar Fasciitis in England and Wales? It is a health condition which can significantly affect your ability to work. It often arises in workplaces where employees are required to spend long hours on their feet, carry out repetitive tasks or work on hard surfaces without proper support.

If your employer failed to protect you from foreseeable risk that contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for a work injury.

Below explains when is Plantar Fasciitis considered to be a work‑related injury, how employer negligence plays a role, and what steps you can take if you believe your job caused or worsened your symptoms.

Real Life Examples of How Work-Related Plantar Fasciitis Develops

Work‑related Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. So, when risks at work for developing this condition are not managed correctly, the injury may be directly linked to employer negligence.

In real working environments, plantar fasciitis often develops because of unsafe or poorly controlled conditions. Here are some examples:

• Standing all day on hard floors: A warehouse operative working 10‑hour shifts on concrete without anti‑fatigue matting or supportive footwear may gradually develop severe heel pain.
• Retail staff denied adequate breaks: A shop assistant required to stand at the till for long periods without rest or task rotation may experience persistent foot strain. If the employer ignored complaints about discomfort, the resulting plantar fasciitis could be considered work‑related.
• Hospitality workers wearing unsuitable employer‑issued footwear: A hotel employee required to wear thin‑soled uniform shoes may develop plantar fasciitis after months of walking long distances on hard floors.
• Delivery drivers repeatedly stepping down from high vehicles: A driver making hundreds of stops per week may suffer repetitive impact on the heel. Without proper training or supportive footwear, this repetitive strain may lead to plantar fasciitis.
• Healthcare workers walking long distances on hard corridors: Nurses and carers can often walk several miles per shift. If the employer fails to provide guidance on supportive footwear or ignores known risks, the condition may be linked to the job.
• Construction workers standing on uneven or hard ground: Labourers who spend long hours on concrete or scaffolding without rest breaks or proper PPE may develop plantar fasciitis due to constant pressure on the feet.
• Factory workers performing repetitive foot movements: Machine operators who repeatedly press foot pedals without task rotation may suffer from repetitive strain that leads to plantar fasciitis.
• Cleaners walking long distances carrying heavy equipment: Without trolleys, supportive footwear, or adequate breaks, cleaners can develop plantar fasciitis from the combination of weight‑bearing and continuous walking.

These examples show how plantar fasciitis may arise gradually due to unsafe working conditions.

When Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Linked to Your Job?

To make a successful claim, you must show that your work activities directly caused your plantar fasciitis. This link may be made when:

• Your symptoms began or worsened after starting a particular role
• Your job involves continuous standing, walking, lifting, or climbing
• You work on hard floors such as concrete without protective matting
• Your employer requires you to wear unsuitable footwear.
• You perform repetitive tasks that strain the feet

Employer Negligence: The Key to Making a Claim

In England and Wales, employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect employees from foreseeable harm. You may be able to claim compensation if your employer:

• Failed to carry out a proper risk assessment
• Ignored complaints about foot pain or unsafe conditions
• Did not provide suitable footwear or PPE
• Required you to stand for long periods without breaks
• Failed to install anti‑fatigue matting on hard floors
• Did not rotate tasks to reduce repetitive strain
• Provided inadequate training on safe working practices

Negligence does not require intent. If your employer overlooked a risk they should have addressed, they may still be liable.

What Evidence Helps Support a Plantar Fasciitis Claim?

Strong evidence can significantly strengthen your case, such as:

• Medical records confirming your diagnosis
• GP or specialist notes linking your condition to work activities
• Workplace accident book entries
• Photographs of unsafe working conditions
• Records of complaints you made to your employer
• Witness statements from colleagues
• Timesheets showing long hours on your feet
• Evidence of inadequate footwear or PPE

FAQs: How To Make a Work‑Related Plantar Fasciitis Claim

1. Do I need to prove my plantar fasciitis was caused by work?

Yes. You must show that your job exposed you to avoidable foot strain, such as long hours on hard floors, repetitive foot movements, or unsuitable footwear and that your employer failed to manage those risks.

2. Can I claim if my plantar fasciitis developed gradually?

Absolutely. Plantar Fasciitis is a gradual‑onset injury, and many successful claims involve symptoms that built up over months. What matters is whether unsafe working conditions contributed to the strain on your plantar fascia.

3. What evidence helps prove a plantar fasciitis claim?

Helpful evidence includes photos of hard flooring, lack of matting, employer‑issued footwear, shift patterns showing long standing hours, and any complaints you made to your employer about foot pain.

4. Do I need to stop working to make a claim?

No. You can continue working while making a claim. Many people claim while still in the same job, especially if adjustments can be made to reduce strain.

5. Can I claim if I already had foot problems?

Yes. If your job made an existing condition worse, you can still claim. Employers must take you as they find you, even if you’re more vulnerable to injury.

6. How is compensation for plantar fasciitis calculated?

Compensation for work-related Plantar Fasciitis is based on the severity of your heel pain, how long symptoms last, the impact on your mobility, and whether the condition affects your ability to work or carry out daily activities.

7. Will I get compensation for time off work?

If your plantar fasciitis caused you to miss work, reduce hours, or change roles, you can claim for lost earnings. This may also include future losses if the condition affects long‑term work capacity.

8. Can I claim if my plantar fasciitis becomes chronic?

Yes. Chronic plantar fasciitis can significantly affect mobility. Compensation may be higher if your symptoms persist or require ongoing treatment.

9. Are travel costs to medical appointments covered?

They can be. If walking is painful and you need taxis or public transport to attend treatment, these expenses may be recoverable.

Next Step

If your employer knew, or should have known, that your role carried a risk of foot strain which has resulted in Plantar Fasciitis and failed to act, you may have grounds for a claim. You typically have three years from the date of injury or diagnosis to make a personal injury claim, so start the process as early as possible. Your solicitor can provide an estimate when it comes to potential compensation for your claim.

We work with lawyers who are experienced work injury claims who offer a free, initial consultation to assess your case.

Call us at 0333 358 3034 or contact us online  for your free, no-obligation consultation.