Walking shouldn't hurt! How to identify and treat heel pain
Heel Pain is one of the most common complaints among people of all ages, yet many ignore it until it becomes debilitating. The good news is that with the right knowledge and care, heel pain treatment is both possible and effective.
Keep reading to discover practical ways to ease discomfort and achieve long-lasting foot pain relief.
Common Heel Pain causes
Heel pain can result from a number of underlying conditions:
- Plantar fasciitis: Painful inflammation of the tissue band on the sole of the foot, often causing morning pain.
- Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
- Heel (calcaneus) fractures: Stress or impact-related fractures in the heel bone.
- Haglund’s deformity: A bony bump at the back of the heel, worsened by tight shoes.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Nerve compression near the ankle, causing heel tingling or burning.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune joint inflammation that can affect the heel.
- Heel spurs: Bony growths under the heel, often linked to plantar fasciitis.
- Heel bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) at the back of the heel.
- Sever’s disease (in children): Heel pain in growing children, typically linked to physical activity and growth spurts.
When to seek heel pain treatment
If your heel pain is persistent, worsening, or interfering with walking, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. Early heel pain treatment can prevent the issue from becoming chronic and help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Warning signs to watch for include:
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after long periods of rest
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the heel
- Sharp or stabbing pain while walking or standing
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness, tingling, or a fever associated with heel pain
Effective heel pain treatment options
The right heel pain treatment depends on identifying its root cause. Here are the most common options that promote healing and provide lasting foot pain relief:
- Rest: Avoid high-impact activities and elevate your feet can help reduce swelling and pressure.
- Ice packs: Applying ice to the heel for 15–20 minutes several times a day can ease pain and inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescribed NSAIDs may be recommended to control discomfort and swelling.
- Physical therapy for heel pain: A physiotherapist can guide you through strengthening exercises to relieve pressure and promote healing.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts or arch supports help support the arch and reduce strain on the heel.
- Steroid Injections: In cases of persistent pain, corticosteroid injections can quickly reduce inflammation and pain.
- Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue repair and improves circulation using sound waves.
- Surgery: In chronic or severe cases (e.g., Haglund deformity, tendonitis, fractures), surgical intervention may be necessary.
Preventing heel pain from returning
Once your heel pain improves, the goal is to keep it from coming back. Here are a few preventive tips:
- Stretch your calves and plantar fascia regularly
- Wear well-fitted, supportive shoes—especially during exercise
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
- Gradually increase activity levels to avoid overuse
- Maintain healthy weight to reduce stress on the feet
- Listen to your body and rest when the pain starts to build
Get expert heel pain treatment with Dr Ehab Kheir
If heel pain interferes with your daily life, consult Dr. Ehab Kheir, a highly experienced foot specialist in Dubai and orthopaedic surgeon with over 17 years of expertise. He will offer a precise diagnosis of the cause of your discomfort and provide personalised treatment options for effective heel pain and heel injury relief.
Don’t let foot pain slow you down—take the first step toward lasting relief and mobility.
