Heel Pain
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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
About the Symptom
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.
Possible Causes
Generally, Heel pain can be related to:
- Psoriatic Arthritis
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
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.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing heel pain?
- How is your heel pain now?
- How often do you experience a heel pain?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how severe was your heel pain at its worst?
- When did you first notice your heel pain?
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
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FAQs
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.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Tu 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/