How is heel pain treated?

A clinician first considers whether pain is under the heel, behind it, or along the side, and checks walking, ankle movement, footwear and tenderness. Rest from running, jumping or prolonged standing can calm an irritated tendon or plantar fascia without stopping all movement.

Treatment may include cushioned, supportive shoes, calf and foot exercises, activity modification, and custom orthotics when foot mechanics need extra support. Shockwave therapy or a PRP injection may be discussed for selected persistent tendon or fascia problems after assessment. Heel pain can be linked with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, a heel spur or, in a growing child, Sever's Disease.

Choose footwear with a stable sole and avoid suddenly increasing walking or sport. Gentle calf stretching and gradual strengthening are often introduced within a tolerable range; sharp or worsening pain is a reason to reduce the exercise and seek guidance. A physiotherapist can adjust the programme to your gait, work demands and sport.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms keep returning, interfere with normal walking, or do not settle with sensible load changes. The treatment plan should match the cause rather than the pain location alone.

Seek urgent medical care after a sudden injury with a snap, marked swelling, deformity, inability to push off, or inability to bear weight. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for fever, redness and warmth, numbness, or a wound near the heel.

Ask what structure is causing the pain, which activities should change, how to progress exercises, and whether imaging or a treatment such as shockwave therapy is appropriate.