Heel pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in podiatry and can significantly affect your ability to walk, exercise, and carry out daily activities. Whether you experience sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, pain that builds throughout the day, or a deep ache in your heel, the team at Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent can help identify the cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
Common Causes of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis – Inflammation of the plantar fascia - the thick band of tissue running along the underside of the foot. The most common cause of heel pain, characterised by pain at the base of the heel, especially with the first steps after rest.
Heel spurs – Bony growths on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. The spur itself is rarely the primary pain source.
Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) – A common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents aged 8–14, caused by inflammation of the heel bone growth plate.
Achilles tendinopathy – Pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts - distinct from plantar fasciitis.
Posterior heel bursitis (Haglund's deformity) – Inflammation of the bursa behind the heel, often aggravated by rigid heel counters in footwear.
Fat pad syndrome – Thinning or displacement of the heel's natural cushioning pad.
Stress fracture – Rare but important to exclude - particularly in athletes with a sudden change in training load.
How We Diagnose Heel Pain at Deal Podiatry
Accurate diagnosis is essential because the treatment for each type of heel pain differs significantly. Our podiatrists take a detailed history and perform a thorough physical examination including palpation, range of motion testing, and gait analysis. Where appropriate, we refer for imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound.
Treatment Options
Orthotic therapy – Custom or prefabricated insoles correct abnormal foot mechanics and reduce strain on the plantar fascia and heel.
Stretching programme – Evidence-based stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles is a cornerstone of heel pain treatment.
Footwear advice – Appropriate supportive footwear significantly reduces heel pain and aids recovery.
Strapping & taping – Short-term offloading of the plantar fascia while healing progresses.
Load management – Guided activity modification to allow tissue healing without complete rest.
Shockwave therapy referral – For persistent cases, we can direct you to appropriate specialist services.
Self-Help for Heel Pain
Calf and plantar fascia stretches – Perform morning stretches before taking your first steps.
Supportive footwear – Avoid flat, unsupportive shoes and walking barefoot on hard floors.
Ice therapy – Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the heel for 15–20 minutes after activity.
Rest – Temporarily reduce high-impact activities such as running.
Related Treatments at Deal Podiatry
At our podiatry clinic in Deal, Kent, we offer the following treatments that directly address the causes of heel pain:
Book Your Heel Pain Assessment at Deal Podiatry
Heel pain rarely resolves without the right intervention. Early treatment prevents the condition from becoming chronic. Contact Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent today for expert assessment and a personalised treatment plan.