When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Even mild heel pain can be bothersome, but you usually can safely try simple home remedies for a short time.

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Have serious heel pain right after an injury.
  • Have serious pain and swelling near the heel.
  • Are not able to bend the foot downward, rise on the toes or walk as usual.
  • Have heel pain with fever and numbness or tingling in the heel.

Schedule an office visit if:

  • There's heel pain even when not walking or standing.
  • Heel pain lasts more than a few weeks, even after you've tried rest, ice and other home treatments.

Self-care

Heel pain often goes away on its own with home care. Try the following:

  • Rest. If possible, don't do anything that puts stress on your heels, such as running, standing for long periods or walking on hard surfaces.
  • Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day.
  • New shoes. Be sure your shoes fit properly and give plenty of support. If you're an athlete, choose shoes that are designed for your sport. Replace them regularly.
  • Arch supports or orthotics. Arch supports that you can buy without a prescription can help relieve pain. Custom-made orthotics usually aren't needed for heel pain.
  • Pain medicines. Medicines you can get without a prescription can help relieve pain. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

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Feb. 19, 2025

See also

  1. Reactive arthritis
  2. Sever's disease