Conditions › Lower Limb › Heel Pain
Lower LimbHeel pain has several distinct causes β knowing which one you have shapes the right approach.
Heel pain can come from several different structures β the plantar fascia on the sole, the Achilles tendon at the back, the heel bone itself, or the surrounding nerves and fat pad. Identifying exactly which structure is involved shapes the right approach to treatment.
The most common source of under-heel pain, especially with the classic morning pain pattern.
Pain at the back of the heel is often related to the Achilles tendon's attachment point.
This natural cushioning can thin with age or become irritated with repetitive impact.
Occasionally, a nerve running near the heel can contribute to burning or tingling sensations.
In runners with a sudden training increase, bone stress can occasionally contribute to heel pain.
Foot type and gait pattern influence how load is distributed across the heel.
The heel is closely associated with the Kidney meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with the Bladder meridian which passes directly over it. Persistent heel pain, particularly in older adults, is traditionally linked to depleted Kidney energy alongside local stagnation.
This depends on exactly where the pain is located and its pattern β under the heel with morning pain suggests plantar fasciitis, while pain at the back suggests an Achilles-related cause.
Yes, particularly for muscular and fascial causes, alongside stretching and load management.
Modifying rather than stopping completely is usually recommended, alongside identifying and addressing the specific cause.
This varies by cause, from a few weeks to several months for more persistent presentations.
Many people find supportive footwear or orthotics helpful, particularly for fascia-related heel pain.
It may help with calf and foot muscle tightness contributing to the strain.
Yes, additional load through the feet is a recognised contributing factor for several causes of heel pain.
Yes, changes in the natural heel fat pad cushioning become more common with age.
Some people find cushioned heel supports helpful for symptom relief during recovery.
If pain is severe, doesn't improve after appropriate self-management, or if there's numbness, significant swelling, or inability to bear weight.
Supportive, cushioned shoes reduce strain on the heel.
Gentle calf and plantar fascia stretches support recovery.
Modify high-impact activity temporarily while symptoms settle.
A cushioned heel pad or cup can help reduce direct impact.
Icing after activity can help manage discomfort.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. If anything above applies to you, please see a doctor or visit an emergency department rather than booking a massage.