Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.

Understanding heel pain

Heel pain ranges from mild discomfort on getting out of bed to pain that interferes with normal walking, work or sport. The location and timing of the pain are useful clues because several different structures around the heel can be involved.

Common patterns

Pain underneath the heel is often associated with the plantar fascia.
Pain at the back of the heel may involve the Achilles tendon insertion.
Pain around the sides of the heel can follow strain or ankle injury.
Deep pain with weight-bearing may require assessment for bone or joint causes.
Children can develop activity-related heel pain during growth.

What can you do?

Review recent changes in activity and footwear.
Reduce activities that clearly aggravate the pain for a short period.
Use comfortable supportive footwear.
Seek assessment if pain persists, recurs or changes the way you walk.

When not to wait
Seek prompt assessment for severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, a hot red swollen foot, neurological symptoms, or persistent focal bone pain.

The Footpath Health approach

Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.

Still not sure what the right next step is?

Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.

Start the Footpath Health assessment →