Heel Pain Treatment

Pain under your heel or at the back of your heel?

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek podiatry advice.

Whether your pain has developed gradually or appeared suddenly, our experienced podiatrists provide expert assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan to help you move comfortably again.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today.

How do I know if I have heel pain?

Heel pain can feel very different depending on the underlying cause.

People commonly describe:

• Sharp pain beneath the heel

• Pain when taking the first few steps in the morning

• Pain after sitting for long periods

• A bruised feeling under the heel

• Pain when walking barefoot

• Aching during activity

• Tenderness at the back of the heel

• Pain that improves as they move around

• Pain that worsens after activity

The location and timing of your symptoms often provide important clues about the underlying diagnosis.

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis.

Whilst Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes, several different conditions can produce very similar symptoms.

Pain beneath the heel, pain at the back of the heel and pain that develops during activity may all have different causes and require different treatment approaches.

An accurate diagnosis is often the first step towards successful treatment.

What causes heel pain?

Several different conditions may cause heel pain, including:

Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes of heel pain in adults.

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain beneath the heel

• Morning pain

• Pain after periods of rest

• Pain during walking

Fat Pad Syndrome

As the natural cushioning beneath the heel becomes thinner or less effective, people may experience:

• A deep bruised sensation

• Pain on hard surfaces

• Reduced shock absorption

• Pain during prolonged standing

Achilles Tendinopathy

Pain at the back of the heel may be caused by irritation of the Achilles tendon.

Symptoms often occur during:

• Walking

• Running

• Climbing stairs

• Sporting activities

Heel Spurs

Many people believe heel spurs are the cause of their pain.

In reality, heel spurs are frequently found in people with no symptoms at all.

Treatment should focus on the underlying cause of your pain rather than simply the appearance of an X-ray.

Children's Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)

Heel pain is also common in active children and adolescents, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

Several factors may contribute to heel pain, including:

• Foot biomechanics

• Activity levels

• Changes in training

• Footwear

• Weight-bearing demands

• Muscle tightness

• Previous injury

Often, more than one factor contributes to the development of symptoms.

How we treat heel pain

Treatment is based on the underlying diagnosis and the factors contributing to your symptoms.

Following a comprehensive assessment, we'll consider:

• Your symptoms

• Where the pain is located

• Your walking pattern

• Foot posture

• Footwear

• Activity levels

• Your treatment goals

Your personalised treatment plan may include:

• Footwear advice

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Rehabilitation exercises

• Activity modification

• Shockwave Therapy

• Injection therapy where clinically appropriate

Biomechanical Assessment

Understanding how your feet function is often one of the most important parts of treatment.

Your assessment may include:

• Clinical examination

• Foot posture assessment

• Biomechanical assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Footwear review

• Activity assessment

Where appropriate, diagnostic imaging may also be recommended.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy can be an effective treatment option for carefully selected causes of heel pain, particularly:

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Achilles Tendinopathy

Your clinician will explain whether this treatment is appropriate for your diagnosis.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Where foot mechanics are contributing to your symptoms, custom orthotics may help redistribute pressure and improve comfort during walking and everyday activities.

Pricing

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment so we can understand the cause of your heel pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment	Price
New Patient Biomechanical Assessment	£180
Principal Podiatrist Biomechanical Assessment	£225

If you're unsure which appointment is most appropriate, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

Your feet deserve more than treatment.

At Callen Olive, we believe exceptional podiatry is about far more than relieving pain.

It's about understanding how your feet affect your comfort, confidence and the way you move through life.

Every person who walks through our doors has different goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and ambitions.

Because no two people — or feet — are the same.

Expert Care. Personally Delivered.

We combine specialist clinical expertise, advanced technology and genuinely personalised care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

From your first appointment, you'll understand what's causing your symptoms, the treatment options available and how we'll support you every step of the way.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

• Specialist podiatry team
• Personalised treatment plans
• Advanced technology
• Evidence-based care
• Award-winning patient experience
• Trusted by thousands of patients every year

More Than A Podiatry Appointment

Exceptional care isn't just about clinical expertise.

It's about feeling listened to, understood and supported from the moment you arrive until long after your treatment has finished.

Because that's what great care should feel like.

We Care.

It's more than our promise.

It's how we listen, how we explain, how we treat and how we support every patient who places their trust in us.

Because helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease is why Callen Olive exists.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Book your appointment

Heel pain doesn't have to stop you doing the things you enjoy.

Whether your symptoms have recently developed or have been affecting you for some time, we're here to help.

Book your Biomechanical Assessment today and take the first step towards moving with comfort, confidence and ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all heel pain Plantar Fasciitis?

No. Heel pain can have many different causes, including Plantar Fasciitis, Fat Pad Syndrome, Achilles Tendinopathy and Sever's Disease in children.

Why is my heel pain worse in the morning?

Morning pain is commonly associated with Plantar Fasciitis, although other conditions can also cause stiffness after periods of rest.

Will heel pain go away on its own?

Some cases improve naturally, but symptoms can persist if the underlying cause isn't identified and managed appropriately.

Should I keep walking with heel pain?

This depends on the diagnosis and severity of your symptoms. Your clinician will advise the most appropriate level of activity.

Do I need a scan?

Not always. Many causes of heel pain can be diagnosed clinically. Imaging is only recommended where it is likely to influence diagnosis or treatment.

Can orthotics help heel pain?

For some people, custom foot orthotics help improve foot function and reduce excessive loading on painful structures.

Is Shockwave Therapy painful?

Most people tolerate Shockwave Therapy well. Your clinician will explain the procedure and discuss whether it is appropriate for your condition.

Further information

Why early assessment matters

Many people hope heel pain will settle on its own.

Unfortunately, symptoms can persist for months or even years if the underlying cause isn't addressed.

Early assessment may help:

• Reduce pain

• Improve mobility

• Maintain activity levels

• Prevent changes in walking patterns

• Reduce the risk of compensation injuries

• Support a quicker return to comfortable movement

Heel pain isn't always Plantar Fasciitis

Although Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common diagnoses, it isn't the only cause of heel pain.

Conditions affecting the plantar fascia, heel fat pad, Achilles tendon or growing bones in children can all produce similar symptoms.

Understanding the cause of your pain is often more important than treating the symptom alone.

Staying active during recovery

Remaining active is often important, but activities may need to be modified while painful tissues recover.

We'll help you find the right balance between protecting the affected structures and maintaining strength, mobility and fitness.

When should you seek professional advice?

We recommend arranging an assessment if:

• Heel pain persists for more than a few weeks

• Walking becomes increasingly uncomfortable

• Morning pain is getting worse

• Home treatments aren't helping

• You notice swelling or increasing stiffness

• Your child develops persistent heel pain

• The pain is affecting your work, exercise or quality of life

Related conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Achilles Tendinopathy

• Fat Pad Syndrome

• Sever's Disease

• Flat Feet

Related treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Shockwave Therapy