Heel pain usually affects the bottom or back of the heel. Heel pain is rarely a symptom of a serious health condition, but it can get in the way of daily activities, such as walking.
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).
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