Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people visit us. It can make walking, work, and sport difficult, particularly when it’s sharp first thing in the morning or when it flares after long periods on your feet. We provide a clear diagnosis and a personalised plan to help you move comfortably again.
Because heel pain can have different causes, we assess your symptoms, activity level, footwear, foot biomechanics, and tissue load to guide effective treatment and reduce recurrence.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Heel pain can feel sharp, aching, burning, or bruised depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:
- Pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest
- Discomfort that worsens with standing, running, hills, or jumping
- Tenderness under the heel, at the back of the heel, or along the arch
- Stiffness, especially after activity
- Pain that alters your gait
We complete a clinical assessment of foot posture, ankle mobility, calf flexibility, tissue tenderness, strength, and walking mechanics. This helps determine the cause of your heel pain and guides the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Heel Pain
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis and lifestyle. Options may include:
Footwear Advice
Footwear assessments and advice can reduce repetitive strain and improve comfort. We guide you on heel cushioning, midfoot support, and the right shoe structure for your foot type and activity.
Offloading and Taping
Taping, padding, and offloading strategies reduce stress on painful structures and can provide fast relief, particularly for plantar fascia-related pain.
Orthotic Therapy
Orthotics may be prescribed to reduce strain, redistribute load, and support foot function when biomechanical factors contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Stretching and Strengthening
Calf flexibility and progressive strengthening are essential for long-term recovery, especially for Achilles-related pain and plantar fascia overload. We provide a safe, progressive exercise plan.
Soft Tissue Therapy and Modalities
Hands-on therapy and supportive modalities may be used to reduce pain and improve function, alongside a structured rehab plan.
Return to Activity Planning
A staged progression helps you return to walking, running, or sports without repeatedly flaring symptoms. This is often the missing piece for those who have tried rest alone.
How It Works
Consultation
We discuss when symptoms occur, your activity level, footwear, and any recent changes that may have triggered pain.
Diagnosis
We assess key structures and mechanics to determine the most likely cause and whether imaging or referral is required.
Treatment Plan
You receive a plan including footwear guidance, offloading strategies, exercises, and targeted interventions for your presentation.
Follow-Up
Progress is reviewed, and treatment is adjusted as pain reduces and load tolerance improves.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Once symptoms settle, we provide strategies to reduce recurrence, including guidance on training progression, strength maintenance, and footwear planning.
Why Choose Us?
Heel pain can be stubborn, but the right diagnosis and plan make a big difference. We provide clear explanations, practical heel pain relief, and evidence-informed treatment tailored to your daily needs and activity goals. If you’re wondering what causes heel pain or you’re tired of ongoing heel pain, we can help you get back on your feet more comfortably.
Book an appointment or contact us for more information.