Heel Pain

What Is Heel Pain?

The heel is made up of the calcaneus bone and supported by a network of muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues, which together support the weight of the body and stress during movement. Heel pain is a common symptom of excessive strain placed on these structures.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by obesity, abnormal walking style, standing or walking or running on hard surfaces and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Some of the conditions related to heel pain include:
  • Plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes
  • Bursitis: swelling of a bursa (fluid-filled sac) at the back of the heel
  • Achilles tendinitis: swelling of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscle and heel bone
  • Bone spurs: extra growth of bone
  • Calcaneus fracture
  • Haglund’s deformity: bone enlargement at the back of heel
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome: compression of nerves at the back of the foot
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: autoimmune disease of the joints

Symptoms of Heel Pain

Heel pain may be felt under or behind the heel, mostly during walking, jogging and running. It may be sharp and stabbing when you first stand up early in the morning or get up after sitting for long hours. Pain may also be associated with swelling, inflammation, numbness and/or a tingling sensation.

Diagnosis of Heel Pain

The cause of the heel pain is diagnosed by:
  • studying your medical history,
  • performing a thorough physical examination of your heel,
  • observing and feeling for signs of swelling and tenderness.
Further examination of the foot can be very important, particularly for subtle injuries which require a high index of suspicion.

The doctor might order
  • blood tests, and
  • imaging studies (X-ray, CT or MRI scans) to confirm on the diagnosis.
The cause of the heel pain is diagnosed by studying your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination of your heel, observing and feeling for signs of swelling and tenderness. The doctor might order blood tests, and imaging studies (X-ray, CT or MRI scans) to confirm on the diagnosis.

Treatment of Heel Pain

Treatment of heel pain completely relies on the causes. The conventional treatments are:
  • Rest from activities that causes stress on the heel
  • Applying ice packs to help reduce pain and inflammation
  • Regular exercise and foot massage
  • Wearing proper shoes, heel cups, professional heel straps and night splints
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EST) may be performed where high-energy soundwaves are delivered to treat nerve problems
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (topical or oral)
  • Surgery may be recommended in cases of heel spurs, bursitis and fracture of the heel bone.

Prevention of Heel Pain

Following are the few steps to avoid heel pain:
  • Wear properly fitted shoes
  • Reduce weight if you are overweight or obese
  • Use shoe inserts

Treatment Process

Preparation for Surgery

  • Provide a complete list of your medications so you can be advises which to stopped prior to surgery,
  • Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
  • Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) at least seven days before the procedure.
  • Stop or cut down smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery
  • Consider losing weight (if overweight) before surgery

Day of Surgery

  • Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
  • Do not consume alcohol - 24 hours prior to treatment,
  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery,

During Surgery

  • Administration of general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia
  • The entire procedure can take 60 minutes to two hours.
  • Procedure is performed and sent to recovery room, for observation
  • Pain medications are prescribed to help with pain during the recovery phase. 

After Surgery

  • Do not consume large amounts of alcohol after surgery,
  • Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise until advised,
  • Follow the Post Surgery Treatment Plan proscribed by the surgeon and post op care specialists.
  • Any questions or complications should be communicated directly to the surgeon

Common Questions

If you have a specific question about your treatment, we recommend contacting the clinic
  • Hospital Discharge?

    The patient is then discharged from the hospital in a day or two after the procedure. 


    Patients are advised on the steps to keep the wound dry and clean and on scar management.


    The patient is advised to maintain a strict elevation of the joint for ten days. 

    • arrange help to assist with chores, and
    • avoid putting any weight on the joint, with the help of crutches and walkers. 
  • Recovery After Heel Pain?

    Even minor injuries can have a prolonged recovery period. 


    Patients are normally immobilised in a below-knee cast or boot for 6 weeks.


    Other conditions include:

    • no weight-bearing during this time, and 
    • often a further 4-6 weeks in a boot is required once walking is started. 

    Return to maximum function often takes up to one year after the injury.

  • Wound Management?

    At the time of discharge patients are advised on:

    • The necessary steps to keep the wound dry,
    • Wound care and Cleaning, and 
    • On scar management. precautions.
  • What if I Am Pregnant?

    It is not recommend surgery while pregnant, as the risks are uncertain due to the lack of information available about the effect on the fetus. 


    For more information please call us on and request to speak with one of our medically-trained registered doctor or nurse.

  • Post Surgery Treatment Program

    Long term outcomes depend on the severity of the initial injury. 


    Some patients won’t get back to their pre-injury function or sport, even with well-performed surgery. 


    Ten Days After Surgery

    X-rays are repeated ten days after the procedure to determine the situation. 


    Physiotherapy

    For the best possible outcome, postoperative physical therapy plays an important role in proper recovery following your procedure. 


    This postoperative management includes regular scheduled visits with a physical therapist 


    Extended Recovery Period

    The patient is advised to limit their activities for six to eight weeks after the surgery.


    Certain activities such as driving are also restricted for up to six weeks post-surgery. 

  • Possible Risks or Side Effects?

    The procedure carries all the risks associated with surgery, such as 

    • infection, 
    • bleeding and 
    • a severe allergic reaction to anesthesia. 

    Redness and bruising at the site of injection may be seen which should resolve over time. 


    You may experience post operative pain for prolonged period or other serious side effects contact your surgeon, as well as:

    • damage to the structures around the operative zone such as nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles,
    • chronic pain due to nerve entrapment
    • delayed healing
    • wound infection or breakdown.
  • Possible Complications of Surgery?

    If this condition or injury is missed or untreated can result in the collapse of the arch of the midfoot with significant pain, and the development of arthritis. 


    When surgery is performed, risks include damage to the structures around the top of the foot (nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles), as well as a risk of wound infection or breakdown.


    It is common to sustain cartilage damage at the joint surfaces during the initial injury, and some people develop midfoot arthritis and ongoing pain down the track. 


    Some patients require further surgery to fuse the midfoot joints to relieve arthritis pain.

  • Do You Offer Discounts?

    Due to strict regulations set by the Australian Medical Board it is against the law to offer surgical inducements. 


    Discounted treatments should raise alarm bells when you are choosing which specialist to trust your treatment to. 


    The surgeon's skill is more important than price. Effective surgery will maximise your health outcome.