Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints. The heel is the largest bone in the foot and it absorbs a great deal of force with every step, so it is easy to overload. This guide explains what heel pain is, the usual causes, what people commonly try at home, and the signs that suggest it is time to see a podiatrist.
What is heel pain?
Heel pain is discomfort felt under, behind or at the sides of the heel. It may be sharp or dull, constant or limited to the first steps after rest. Podiatrists commonly point to gait patterns, meaning the way a person walks, as a frequent contributor, because an uneven step can place extra pressure on the heel bone and the soft tissue around it.
The location of the pain often hints at the cause. Pain under the heel tends to point to the band of tissue along the sole, while pain at the back tends to involve the Achilles tendon.
What are the common causes of heel pain?
Heel pain has a number of possible causes. The most frequently described are below.
Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that links the heel to the toes. Repeated stress from running, jumping or long periods on hard floors can irritate it, which often produces pain under the heel that is worst with the first steps of the day.
Heel spur
A heel spur is a bony growth that can form where muscle or tendon repeatedly pulls on the heel bone. Many spurs cause no symptoms, and the pain attributed to them is often linked to the surrounding tissue.
Achilles tendinitis
Pain at the back of the heel often comes from irritation of the Achilles tendon, which is common in people who walk or run a lot or who increase activity quickly.
Excessive pronation
Pronation is the natural inward roll of the foot during walking. When it is excessive, the ligaments and tendons can be strained, which may show up as heel pain.
Other possibilities include arthritis, a bone bruise and bursitis.
What is the treatment for heel pain?
Approaches depend on the cause, which is why a proper diagnosis matters. Reader-level options people commonly try first are listed here, and the second group is what podiatrists may discuss.
- Rest from the activity that sets off the pain, and ice for short periods
- Supportive, well-cushioned shoes and avoiding bare feet on hard floors
- Gentle calf and arch stretching
- Over-the-counter heel cushions or arch supports
- Taping to support the arch
Podiatrists commonly describe further options when home care is not enough, including prescription or custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy to improve gait, and in some cases shockwave, laser or cryotherapy approaches.
Consider seeing a podiatrist if heel pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, follows an injury, or interferes with walking. Sudden severe pain, marked swelling, numbness or signs of infection call for prompt medical attention.
This guide is general information from an independent publication. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination by a licensed podiatrist or physician.