Heel pain usually affects the bottom or back of the heel. Heel pain is rarely a symptom of something serious. But it can get in the way of activities, such as walking.
See your health care provider right away for:
- Severe heel pain right after an injury.
- Severe pain and swelling near the heel.
- Not being able to bend the foot downward, rise on toes or walk as usual.
- Have heel pain with fever, 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. For heel pain that isn't severe, 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.
- Foot supports. Heel cups or wedges that you buy without a prescription often give relief. Custom-made orthotics usually aren't needed for heel problems.
- Pain medicines. Medicines you can get without a prescription can help relieve pain. These include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
Show References
- Fields KB. Evaluation and diagnosis of common causes of hindfoot pain in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 7, 2022.
- Heel pain. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/heel-pain/. Accessed Nov. 7, 2022.
- Chorley J, et al. Heel pain in the active child or skeletally immature adolescent: Overview of causes. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 8, 2022.
- Thomas MJ, et al. Plantar heel pain in middle-aged and older adults: Population prevalence, associations with health status and lifestyle factors, and frequency of healthcare use. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2019; doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2718-6.
- Heel pain. American Podiatric Medical Association. https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=985. Accessed Nov. 7, 2022.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/heel-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050788