Worried about your symptoms?
Start the Heel Pain test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Try one of these related symptoms.
Sudden heel pain
Heel pain when walking
Severe heel pain
Bottom of my right heel hurts
Bottom of my left heel hurts
Heel pain describes a painful sensation over the back part of the foot, behind the arch and below the ankle. The pain may be pressing, sharp, burning or dull in nature.
Generally, Heel pain can be related to:
Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition associated with the skin disorder Psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness are typical signs of Psoriatic Arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an chronic inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints in your spine. Although the cause is unknown, certain genetic factors are believed to be involved.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
Content updated on Jan 30, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
We would love to help them too.
With a free 3-min Heel Pain quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms

Our AI

Your report

Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
Q.
Sharp Foot Pain? Why Your Foot Hurts and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Sharp foot pain commonly comes from plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, tendonitis, nerve issues, arthritis, or gout, and the location and triggers of your pain help identify the cause; there are several factors to consider, with full details below. Medically approved next steps include rest and activity changes, ice, supportive shoes or orthotics, stretching, and short term NSAIDs, while urgent care is needed for severe swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, infection signs, numbness, worsening pain, or pain lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks, or if you have diabetes. For step by step guidance and when to see a doctor, see below.
References:
* Lim AT, De Vera M, O'Connell R, Chon J, Popielarczyk M, Rittenberg B. Plantar Fasciitis: A Narrative Review of Pathology and Treatment. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020 Jul-Aug;59(4):780-785. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2020.03.003. Epub 2020 Apr 23. PMID: 32822081.
* Caselli MA, Caselli F. Metatarsalgia: Review of the literature and therapeutic approach. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019 Apr;23(2):376-381. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.03.002. Epub 2019 Mar 13. PMID: 30950348.
* Kueny RA, Johnson MA, Van Dyke BR, Johnson MA, Christensen B, Goforth G. Tendinopathy of the Foot and Ankle. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2020 Jul;37(3):511-536. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2020.03.007. Epub 2020 May 23. PMID: 32467140.
* Saygi B, Yildirim Y, Saracoglu B, Saglik Y. Morton's Neuroma: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2021 Mar-Apr;60(2):413-417. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2020.09.022. Epub 2020 Oct 14. PMID: 33716947.
* Pao JL, Lee P, Song Y, Li X, Lau B. Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle. Orthop Clin North Am. 2018 Oct;49(4):461-477. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2018.06.002. Epub 2018 Jul 13. PMID: 30094050.
Q.
Foot Massager? Why Your Feet Are Still Aching and Medical Next Steps
A.
If a foot massager hasn’t stopped your foot pain, there are several factors to consider. Ongoing aches often signal plantar fasciitis, tendon injuries, arthritis, nerve issues, stress fractures, or poor footwear, and massage provides only short-term relief without fixing structural or inflammatory causes. For next steps, adjust activity, check your shoes, try targeted treatments like physical therapy or orthotics, and see a clinician if pain lasts more than a few weeks or you have red flags such as sudden severe pain, swelling, fever with redness, inability to bear weight, numbness, or nonhealing wounds; complete guidance, including when a massager is safe to use, is outlined below.
References:
* Pagonis DJ, et al. Chronic Foot Pain: A Review of Causes and Diagnostic Approach. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2021 Jan;38(1):1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2020.09.001. PMID: 33189397.
* Lim AT, et al. Plantar Fasciitis: A Current Concepts Review. Indian J Orthop. 2020 Feb 21;54(Suppl 1):76-85. doi: 10.1007/s43465-020-00057-3. PMID: 33505677; PMCID: PMC7833633.
* Al-Shaikh R, et al. Metatarsalgia: Aetiology, Diagnosis and Management. Foot (Edinb). 2021 Sep;48:101799. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2021.101799. Epub 2021 Jun 17. PMID: 34182286.
* Alam M, et al. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review of Treatment Options. Pain Ther. 2020 Jun;9(3):477-495. doi: 10.1007/s40122-020-00168-y. Epub 2020 Apr 15. PMID: 32297120; PMCID: PMC7235210.
* Davies AM, et al. Imaging of Chronic Foot Pain. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2017 Apr;21(2):121-137. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1601323. Epub 2017 May 3. PMID: 28468305.
Q.
Sharp Heel Pain? Why Your Foot Is Hurting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Most sharp heel pain is treatable and commonly stems from plantar fasciitis, with other causes including Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, nerve compression, and inflammation around heel spurs; clues like first-step morning pain, pain at the back of the heel, swelling, or burning and tingling help pinpoint the source. Medically approved next steps include rest and activity changes, ice, daily calf and plantar fascia stretches, supportive footwear or inserts, short-term NSAIDs, and physical therapy, with urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, inability to bear weight, marked swelling, fever, numbness, or worsening symptoms; there are several factors to consider, and important timelines and red flags that can change your next steps are explained below.
References:
* Muth C, Schneider M, Jäkel L. Plantar Fasciitis: A Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. Z Orthop Unfall. 2022 Nov;160(6):629-637. doi: 10.1055/a-1698-1065. Epub 2021 Dec 2. PMID: 34856637.
* Karlin S, Miller S, Bar-Lev Y. Diagnosis and Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021 Nov 1;20(11):577-582. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000898. PMID: 34743207.
* Li J, Li X, Wei X, Ma X. Evidence-Based Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review. Front Surg. 2022 Mar 23;9:856407. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.856407. PMID: 35392095; PMCID: PMC8986873.
* Spang C, Öhberg L, Alfredson H. Posterior Heel Pain: Achilles Tendinopathy or Other Pathologies? Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2019 Jun;27(2):85-91. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000257. PMID: 31045952.
* Albers B, Zwerver J, de Jonge S, van den Akker-Scheek I, Diercks RL. Achilles tendinopathy: a review of the current literature. Br J Sports Med. 2016 Apr;50(7):389-94. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095591. Epub 2016 Jan 29. PMID: 26826457.
Q.
Constant Foot Pain? Why Your Feet Are Aching & Medical Next Steps
A.
Constant foot pain most often stems from plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, arthritis, neuropathy, tendinitis, poor footwear, or circulation problems, and red flags like sudden severe pain, color changes, numbness with weakness, or nonhealing wounds need urgent care. Next steps range from supportive shoes, stretching, rest, and icing to medical evaluation for imaging, orthotics, medications, or targeted treatment of underlying disease; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete guidance below to match your symptoms, recognize urgent warning signs, and choose the right follow up.
References:
* Mickle KJ, Munro BJ, Lord SR, Menz HB. Foot Pain in Older People: An Overview. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2018 Sep;108(5):417-425. doi: 10.7547/17-063. PMID: 30138384.
* Vickory RM, Vogler CN, Beato D. Foot Pain: Diagnosis and Management. Am J Med. 2020 Jan;133(1):15-20. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.06.027. PMID: 31254397.
* Chew-Graham CA, Dawes L, D'Silva L, Hill JC. The Challenge of Chronic Foot Pain: A Systematic Review of the Epidemiological and Clinical Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 24;18(6):3313. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18063313. PMID: 33804868.
* Karlock LG, Smith J. Plantar Fasciitis: A Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment Options. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020 Sep-Oct;59(5):1018-1025. doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2020.03.024. PMID: 32778393.
* Sheehan P. Current and Emerging Treatment Options for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021 Jul 15;14:3109-3121. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S299386. PMID: 34295191.
Q.
Plantar Fasciitis? Why Your Heel Is Stabbing & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Stabbing heel pain with your first steps in the morning is often plantar fasciitis, irritation of the plantar fascia that tightens overnight and eases as you move. Most cases improve with medically recommended steps like daily calf and plantar fascia stretches, supportive shoes or inserts, activity modification, icing, and short term NSAIDs, with night splints or physical therapy if needed. There are several factors to consider and important red flags like persistent or worsening pain, inability to bear weight, swelling, warmth, fever, or numbness that can change your next steps, so see the complete details below.
References:
* Lim AT, et al. Plantar Fasciitis: A Narrative Review of Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Orthop J Sports Med. 2023 May 10;11(5):23259671231174624. doi: 10.1177/23259671231174624. PMID: 37192660; PMCID: PMC10182414.
* Tu P, et al. Plantar fasciitis: a concise review of anatomy, biomechanics, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 May 26;16(1):329. doi: 10.1186/s13018-021-02472-8. PMID: 34040122; PMCID: PMC8154130.
* Bergfeld KH, et al. Plantar Fasciitis. Am J Sports Med. 2019 Nov;47(13):3274-3283. doi: 10.1177/0363546519842617. Epub 2019 May 14. PMID: 31084234.
* Tosti V, et al. Update on the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2020 Feb;13(1):1-10. doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09600-4. PMID: 31832811; PMCID: PMC7047712.
* Kayani B, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of plantar fasciitis: a systematic review. J Orthop Surg Res. 2020 Dec 4;15(1):585. doi: 10.1186/s13018-020-02097-x. PMID: 33276856; PMCID: PMC7717468.
Q.
Plantar Fasciitis? Why Your Foot Feels Like Glass & Your Relief Plan
A.
Sharp, glass-like heel pain with your first steps is most often plantar fasciitis from overloaded plantar fascia tissue, and most people improve with daily stretching, supportive shoes or inserts, activity changes, ice, short-term anti-inflammatories, night splints, and physical therapy, though recovery commonly takes weeks to months. There are several factors to consider, including risk factors, other possible causes, and red flags that mean you should see a doctor; see the complete plan and details below to guide your next steps.
References:
* Joshi, A., & St. Martin, S. (2020). Current Concepts in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. *Foot & Ankle International*, *41*(12), 1546–1558. Retrieved from PubMed.
* Lim, A. T. B., Tan, L. H., & Thong, K. S. (2018). Plantar fasciitis: a review of the literature. *Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma*, *9*(3), 200–208. Retrieved from PubMed.
* Latt, L. D., Chow, E., & Howard, J. (2018). Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Review. *Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine*, *11*(4), 556–562. Retrieved from PubMed.
* Cutts, S., Parsons, S., & Price, N. (2019). Current Concepts in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. *Foot & Ankle Specialist*, *12*(4), 362–370. Retrieved from PubMed.
* Sweeting, D. R., Davies, A. M., Scutter, S. D., & Davies, A. M. (2021). The effectiveness of conservative interventions for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. *Physical Therapy in Sport*, *47*, 178–194. Retrieved from PubMed.
Q.
Plantar Fasciitis in Women 30-45: Your 5-Step Action Plan
A.
For women 30 to 45 with sharp morning heel pain, the proven 5-step plan is to reduce strain without full rest, stretch calves daily, strengthen foot muscles, use supportive shoes and tools, and seek care if pain is severe or not improving. Most improve in 2 to 12 weeks with consistency, but timelines, red flags that suggest other causes, and prevention tips like shoe replacement and gradual training matter. There are several factors to consider, and the complete, step-by-step guidance and when to see a doctor are detailed below.
References:
* Riel, H., & Rathleff, M. S. (2021). Plantar fasciitis: a narrative review of the aetiology, diagnosis and management. *Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma*, *22*, 101612.
* Latt, L. D., Chow, J. J., & Taljanovic, M. S. (2020). Plantar Fasciitis: A Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. *Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery*, *19*(3), 107-117.
* Thompson, J. V., Cooney, K. M., & Cooney, T. B. (2021). Plantar Fasciitis. *Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery*, *38*(3), 321-331.
* Rathleff, M. S., Møller, P., & Carlsen, A. (2014). High-load strength training improves outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. *American Journal of Sports Medicine*, *42*(4), 1014-1022.
* Fitzgerald, B. P., & McClure, M. (2022). Conservative Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Narrative Review. *Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice*, *34*(1), 16-24.
Q.
How to cure plantar fasciitis in one week? What are the effective treatments?
A.
Plantar fasciitis may not be cured in one week, but treatments like rest, stretching, and physical therapy can help improve symptoms. More advanced treatments may be needed for chronic cases.
References:
Latt LD, Jaffe DE, Tang Y, & Taljanovic MS. (2020). Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Foot & ankle orthopaedics, 35097359.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35097359/
Nweke TC. (2025). Comprehensive Review and Evidence-Based Treatment .... Cureus, 40717873.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40717873/
Razzano C, Carbone S, Mangone M, Iannotta MR, Battaglia A, & Santilli V. (2017). Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis with Noninvasive .... The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, 28633774.
Q.
What could be causing my heel pain? Is heel pain connected to internal organ dysfunction?
A.
Heel pain can arise from various causes, with the most common being musculoskeletal issues such as plantar fasciitis. While heel pain is primarily related to foot and ankle problems, it can sometimes be associated with internal organ dysfunction, although this is less common. Understanding the potential causes is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Tu P. Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jan 15;97(2):86-93. PMID: 29365222.
Agyekum EK, Ma K. Heel pain: A systematic review. Chin J Traumatol. 2015;18(3):164-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2015.03.002. PMID: 26643244.
Koc TA Jr, Bise CG, Neville C, Carreira D, Martin RL, McDonough CM. Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023 Dec;53(12):CPG1-CPG39. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2023.0303. PMID: 38037331.
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.

“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024

“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023

“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)

Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Tu P. Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jan 15;97(2):86-93. PMID: 29365222.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0115/p86.htmlNHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-pain/heel-pain/