Heel Pain Treatment
Pain under your heel or discomfort when you take your first steps?
If you’re feeling pain under your heel, around the back of your heel or through the arch of your foot, you may be dealing with a common heel pain condition such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles-related pain or another load related issue.
Heel pain can make walking, standing, exercising or getting through the day more uncomfortable. For some people, it is worse first thing in the morning. For others, it builds after long periods on their feet.
Our experienced podiatrists can assess your symptoms, identify what may be contributing to your heel pain and guide you through treatment options to help support your recovery.
Book an appointment today and take the first step towards more comfortable feet
Does This Sound Familiar?
You may be dealing with heel pain if you’ve noticed:
Morning & Rest Stiffness: A sharp, burning pain during your very first steps out of bed or after sitting down.
Activity-Related Aches: Pain that builds up after running, sports, or spending long hours on your feet.
Targeted Tenderness: Soreness focused under the heel, along the arch, or around the back of the heel.
Persistent Discomfort: Trouble wearing your favourite shoes or pain that keeps returning despite taking time off to rest.
Not all heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, which is why an accurate podiatry assessment is the best place to start.
If you experience sudden severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to put weight on your foot or pain after an injury, you should seek urgent medical advice.
What is Heel Pain?
Heel pain is a common foot concern that can develop when the tissues around the heel, arch or back of the foot become irritated, overloaded or placed under repeated strain.
One common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When this tissue becomes irritated or overloaded, it can cause pain under the heel, especially after rest or during the first steps of the day.
Heel pain may also be linked to:
Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation or strain where the calf tendon attaches to the back of the heel.
Medial Calcaneal Nerve Entrapment: Compression of the small nerve that travels across the inside of the heel.
Fat Pad Irritation: Thinning or bruising of the protective cushion directly beneath your heel bone.
Biomechanics: Foot posture, walking patterns, and tight calf muscles placing extra pull on the foot.
Activity & Overload: Sudden spikes in exercise, running on hard surfaces, or long hours standing for work.
Footwear & Support: Walking barefoot or spending long days in unsupportive, flat, or rigid shoes.
Your Treatment Journey
Assessment
We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, footwear, activity levels, medical history and how heel pain is affecting your daily movement.
Diagnosis
Our podiatrists will assess your heel, arch, ankle movement, foot posture, walking pattern and pressure areas to help identify what may be contributing to your pain.
Treatment Plan
We’ll explain your treatment options clearly and recommend an approach based on your symptoms, lifestyle, activity goals and the severity of your heel pain.
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
There is no one size fits all approach to heel pain treatment. Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, treatment may include:
Advice on reducing or modifying activities that aggravate your heel pain
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf, foot and arch
Footwear recommendations to improve support and cushioning
Taping or strapping for short-term support
Custom orthoses where foot mechanics are contributing to strain
Ongoing monitoring and review
Referral for imaging or further medical care if required
Our goal is to recommend the most appropriate and practical solution for you, while helping reduce discomfort, improve function and support your return to normal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Heel pain can be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, medial calcaneal nerve entrapment, fat pad irritation, tight calf muscles, foot posture, footwear, sudden activity changes or repeated pressure on the heel.
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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, but not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. A podiatry assessment can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms.
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Heel pain can feel worse in the morning because the tissues around the foot and heel may tighten and retract during rest. The first few steps can place sudden load through the heel and arch.
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Some mild heel pain may settle with rest, footwear changes and activity modification. Ongoing or recurring heel pain often needs proper assessment and a treatment plan to address the cause.
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Orthotics may help if your foot posture, walking pattern or pressure distribution is contributing to your heel pain. Your podiatrist will assess your feet and recommend orthotics only if they are suitable for your condition.
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You may need to reduce or modify activities that increase your pain. Your podiatrist can guide you on what to avoid, what may be safe to continue and how to return to activity gradually.
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You should consider seeing a podiatrist if your heel pain is ongoing, worsening, affecting your walking, returning after rest, or stopping you from working, exercising or doing normal activities comfortably.
Ready to Feel More Comfortable on Your Feet?
If heel pain is making it harder to walk, work, exercise or enjoy your normal routine, our team is here to help. We’ll assess what’s happening, explain your options clearly and work with you to find the most appropriate treatment plan.
Book an appointment today and let us help you take the first step towards more comfortable feet.