24/07/2026
Heel pain causes & management
🟣 What is heel pain?
âžź Heel pain is pain felt under the heel, behind the heel, or around the ankle area.
âžź It is commonly due to strain, inflammation, wrong footwear, overuse, or sudden increase in walking/running.
âžź Most cases improve with simple care, but persistent or severe pain should be checked.
🟣 Common causes
➟ Plantar fasciitis → sharp pain under the heel, often worse with first steps in the morning or after rest.
➟ Achilles tendinitis → pain, stiffness, or swelling at the back of the heel or lower calf.
➟ Heel spur → a bony growth near the heel; it may be seen on X-ray but is not always the true cause of pain.
➟ Bursitis → pain and swelling behind or under the heel due to irritation of a fluid-filled cushion.
➟ Stress fracture → pain after repeated impact, running, jumping, or sudden increase in activity.
âžź Nerve irritation may cause burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain.
âžź In children or teenagers, heel pain can occur from growth-related heel irritation, especially during sports.
🟣 Common signs
âžź Pain under the heel while standing or walking.
âžź Pain worse after rest, morning steps, or long standing.
âžź Pain at the back of the heel while climbing stairs or running.
âžź Swelling, tenderness, tight calf muscles, or difficulty wearing shoes may occur.
âžź Limping may develop if pain is significant.
🟣 Management
âžź Rest from painful activities and avoid sudden increase in walking, running, or jumping.
➟ Apply ice for 15–20 minutes after activity if pain or swelling is present.
âžź Do gentle calf and plantar fascia stretching daily.
âžź Wear supportive footwear and avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.
âžź Use cushioned heel pads or orthotic support if advised.
âžź Pain medicines may help, but use them safely and avoid overuse.
âžź Physiotherapy may help if pain is persistent or related to tight calf muscles, poor foot mechanics, or overuse.
âžź Most plantar fasciitis cases improve with conservative treatment such as stretching, icing, and activity modification over time.
🟣 See a doctor if
➟ Heel pain lasts more than 1–2 weeks despite home care.
âžź Pain is severe, worsening, or causing limping.
âžź There is numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness.
âžź You have diabetes, poor circulation, arthritis, gout, or repeated foot infections.
âžź Pain started after injury, fall, or sports trauma.
🟣 Seek urgent medical care if
âžź There is sudden sharp heel pain with a popping sound or difficulty walking, which may suggest Achilles tendon rupture.
âžź There is severe swelling, redness, warmth, fever, open wound, pus, or inability to bear weight.
âžź One leg becomes swollen, painful, red, or warm, especially with breathlessness or chest pain.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor, orthopedic specialist, or physiotherapist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
