5 Common Causes of Heel Pain and When to See a Chiropodist

Heel pain affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, debilitating pain that limits your mobility. While rest and ice may help temporarily, persistent heel pain often requires professional assessment to identify the underlying cause.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes — becomes irritated or inflamed. The hallmark symptom is sharp pain in the heel with your first steps in the morning.

Risk factors include prolonged standing, tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, and unsupportive footwear. Treatment typically involves stretching, custom orthotics, and in chronic cases, shockwave therapy.

A heel spur is a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. It often develops alongside plantar fasciitis due to long-term strain on the foot. Heel spurs do not always cause pain — when they do, the pain is typically felt during weight-bearing activities.

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and addressing the biomechanical factors that contributed to the spur. Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure away from the affected area.

Achilles tendinopathy causes pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. It is common in runners and people who have suddenly increased their physical activity. The pain may be worse during or after exercise.

A chiropodist can assess your gait and biomechanics to identify contributing factors. Treatment may include eccentric strengthening exercises, footwear modifications, and shockwave therapy.

The fat pad under your heel provides natural cushioning. As we age, this pad can thin, leading to increased pressure on the heel bone and resulting pain. This is especially common in people over 50.

Cushioned insoles or custom orthotics with added heel cushioning can help manage symptoms and improve comfort.

A stress fracture in the heel bone (calcaneus) can develop from repetitive impact, such as running on hard surfaces or a sudden increase in activity. The pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest.

If you suspect a stress fracture, seek professional assessment promptly. Your chiropodist can evaluate the area and recommend imaging if needed.

You should book an appointment with a chiropodist if your heel pain:

• Has persisted for more than two weeks • Is worse in the morning or after sitting • Limits your ability to walk or stand comfortably • Is accompanied by swelling, redness, or numbness

At Foot Forward Clinic, our registered chiropodists perform thorough heel pain assessments to identify the cause and develop an effective treatment plan. We serve patients from Maple, Woodbridge, Thornhill, and across Vaughan.