Pain in the ball of the heel: what to know

Pain under the heel that is worst with the first steps after rest can occur with plantar fasciitis. Pain at the back of the heel, especially with push-off, may involve the Achilles tendon. Repeated impact can irritate bone and cause a stress fracture, while burning or tingling can point toward nerve irritation such as tarsal tunnel syndrome. In a growing child, activity-related heel pain may have a different cause, including Sever's disease. The exact spot, timing, footwear, training changes, and tenderness matter.

A clinician may check your walking pattern, ankle movement, calf flexibility, strength, sensation, and the bones and soft tissues around the heel. Tests are chosen when the history or examination raises concern for a fracture or another specific problem.

Temporarily reduce running, jumping, and long periods of standing if they reproduce the pain. Choose supportive shoes, avoid walking barefoot on hard floors, and use gentle calf and foot mobility that does not sharpen symptoms. Ice wrapped in cloth can soothe soreness after activity. Custom orthotics may be considered when foot mechanics and loading are contributing. PRP injection is a treatment discussion for selected persistent tendon or fascia problems, not a first response to unexplained heel pain.

Arrange prompt assessment after a fall, direct blow, or sudden pain with inability to bear weight. Seek urgent help for marked swelling, deformity, a hot red foot with fever, new numbness or weakness, or a foot that becomes cold or pale. Book a review when pain persists despite reduced impact, repeatedly wakes you, or steadily worsens.

Ask which tissue seems responsible, whether you should alter work or sport, what footwear or exercises suit your examination, and when imaging or a specialist treatment should be considered.