04/11/2026
Let's Sport Singapore C*D Running Club teaches you knowledge and care on foot injury.
Heel Pain vs Plantar Fasciitis ✅
Heel pain is a symptom with many possible causes, while plantar fasciitis is one specific and very common cause of pain under the heel. The location and timing of pain often help distinguish plantar fasciitis from other heel problems.
🟣 General Heel Pain – Possible Causes
➟ Heel pain can come from the Achilles tendon, bursae, heel bone, nerves, or surrounding soft tissues
➟ Common causes include Achilles tendinopathy, bursitis, stress fracture, heel-pad problems, nerve irritation, or injury
➟ The exact cause depends on where the pain is located and what triggers it
🟣 General Heel Pain – Pain Location
➟ Pain may occur behind, underneath, or around the sides of the heel
➟ Pain at the back of the heel may suggest Achilles tendon or bursal problems
➟ Pain after trauma can indicate bruising, sprain, or occasionally a fracture
🟣 General Heel Pain – Pain Pattern
➟ Symptoms vary according to the underlying condition
➟ Pain may worsen with walking, running, jumping, or prolonged standing
➟ Some causes hurt mainly during activity, while others remain painful even at rest
🟣 Swelling & Tenderness
➟ Visible swelling may occur with tendon injury, bursitis, trauma, or inflammation
➟ Tenderness usually occurs directly over the affected tissue
➟ Redness, warmth, or severe swelling may indicate a more significant inflammatory or infectious problem
🟣 Plantar Fasciitis – What It Is
➟ Plantar fasciitis involves irritation and degenerative change where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone
➟ The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot
➟ Repeated loading can irritate the attachment near the inner side of the heel
🟣 Plantar Fasciitis – Typical Pain Location
➟ Pain is usually felt under the heel, especially toward the inner side
➟ There is often a very specific tender point near the medial heel
➟ Pain may sometimes extend into the arch
🟣 Classic Morning Pain
➟ The most typical feature is sharp heel pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed
➟ Pain often improves after walking for a short time
➟ It may return after prolonged sitting or resting
🟣 Pain After Activity or Prolonged Standing
➟ Long periods of standing or walking can aggravate symptoms
➟ Running and repeated impact may also worsen pain
➟ Some people feel worse after activity rather than during the activity itself
🟣 Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis
➟ Sudden increase in walking or running
➟ Prolonged standing
➟ Tight calf muscles or reduced ankle flexibility
➟ Higher body weight
➟ Unsupportive footwear
➟ Repetitive impact or changes in training
🟣 Management
➟ Temporarily reduce activities that strongly aggravate the heel
➟ Perform regular calf and plantar-fascia stretching
➟ Wear supportive, cushioned footwear
➟ Heel cups or orthoses may help selected people
➟ Cold packs can provide short-term pain relief
➟ Physiotherapy/physical therapy can improve flexibility, strength, and gradual loading
➟ Pain-relieving medicines may be used when medically appropriate
🟣 When to See a Doctor
➟ Heel pain lasts for several weeks despite self-care
➟ Walking becomes difficult
➟ Pain started after a significant injury
➟ There is marked swelling, redness, or warmth
➟ Pain is severe at night or occurs even without weight-bearing
➟ You have numbness, weakness, fever, diabetes, or poor circulation
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Plantar fasciitis is common, but not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis, so persistent or unusual heel pain should be properly assessed.
