Heel pain

Alternative Names

Pain - heel

Causes

Heel pain is most often the result of overuse. However, it may be caused by an injury.

Your heel may become tender or swollen from:

Conditions that may cause heel pain include:

Home Care

The following steps may help relieve your heel pain:

Your health care provider may recommend other treatments, depending on the cause of your heel pain.

Maintaining flexible and strong muscles in your calves, ankles, and feet can help prevent some types of heel pain. Always stretch and warm-up before exercising.

Wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Make sure there is enough room for your toes.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if your heel pain does not get better after 2 to 3 weeks of home treatment. Also contact them if:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

Your provider may order a foot x-ray. You may need to see a physical therapist to learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your foot. Your provider may recommend a night splint to help stretch your foot or place you in a boot to rest your foot. At times, further imaging, like CT scan or MRI may be needed. Surgery may be recommended in some cases.

References

Grear BJ. Disorders of tendons and fascia and adolescent and adult pes planus. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 83.

Kadakia AR, Aiyer AA. Heel pain and plantar fasciitis: hindfoot conditions. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee Drez & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 120.

McGee DL. Podiatric procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 51.



Review Date: 6/17/2024
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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