Heel Pain

What Is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a very common foot and ankle problem. You might experience pain, soreness or tenderness anywhere in your heel, but the most common areas are underneath it or at the back of it. There are many different health conditions that can cause heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.

Rest, orthotics, and stretching ease heel pain over time. If ignored and left untreated, heel pain may develop into chronic problems that require a longer recovery. Heel pain rarely needs surgery.

Because heel pain can stem from several different causes, it is worth identifying where and when the pain occurs before seeking treatment. A healthcare professional or podiatrist can help determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate management approach.

Common Symptoms of Heel Pain

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Sharp stabbing pain under the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning
• Dull aching pain that builds throughout the day
• Pain at the back of the heel, especially after exercise
• Tenderness when pressing on the heel
• Swelling or inflammation around the heel
• Discomfort that eases with movement but returns after rest

If heel pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling that does not improve with rest, it is important to seek professional medical advice.

What Causes Heel Pain?

Heel pain is most often caused by overuse and repetitive stress on the structures of the foot, rather than by a single injury.

Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, involving inflammation of the plantar fascia, the strong fibrous band that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot and supports the arch. It typically causes sharp pain under the heel that is worst with the first steps in the morning.

Achilles Tendinitis Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and often causes pain at the back of the heel, particularly after physical activity.

Heel Spurs A heel spur is a bony growth that extends from the bottom of the heel bone where it connects to the plantar fascia. Heel spurs develop over time due to stress on foot ligaments and are often discovered when seeking help for heel pain.

Flat Feet and Overpronation Heel pain often develops when repetitive stress irritates the tissues that support the foot. In many cases, heel discomfort is linked to poor foot mechanics such as overpronation, or long hours spent on hard surfaces.

Bursitis Heel bursitis occurs when a bursa, a small, fluid filled cushioning sac near the heel bone — becomes irritated and inflamed. It is common among athletes, active people, and those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

How Orthotics May Help Heel Pain

Orthotics can take pressure off the heel and form an important part of managing heel pain alongside rest and stretching.

Benefits may include:

Heel Cushioning  Heel cushioning can help absorb the impact and relieve stress when walking on the heel, reducing the repetitive load placed on the heel bone and surrounding tissues.

Arch Support Arch support can help support a foot, improving overall foot alignment and helping to prevent the excessive strain on heel structures that contributes to pain.

Pressure Distribution Insoles and orthotics help absorb shock, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on the heels, forming part of a conservative management approach alongside stretching and physical therapy.

Improved Foot Alignment Supportive orthotic insoles help redistribute pressure and improve alignment, addressing some of the mechanical causes of heel pain such as overpronation and loss of arch support.

While orthotics are not a cure for heel pain, they can form an important part of a broader management plan alongside rest, stretching, and professional guidance.

Who May Benefit From Orthotics?

Orthotics may be suitable for people who:

• Experience pain under or at the back of the heel
• Have flat feet, high arches, or overpronation
• Spend long hours standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Participate in running or high-impact sports
• Are managing plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or heel spurs
• Need additional cushioning and arch support in everyday or athletic footwear

SOLE5 Orthotics for Heel Pain

SOLE5 orthotics are designed to provide structured arch support and heel cushioning while fitting comfortably inside a wide range of footwear.

Key features include:

• Heel cushioning to absorb impact and reduce pressure
• Supportive arch design to improve foot alignment and reduce overpronation
• Shock absorption for walking, standing, and exercise
• Heel stabilisation for consistent foot positioning throughout the day
• Lightweight construction suitable for daily wear

Whether you're on your feet all day at work or managing recurring heel discomfort, supportive orthotics may help reduce the strain associated with heel pain.

References

1. Mayo Clinic – Heel Pain Overview
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Heel Pain
3. NHS – Heel Pain
4. Cleveland Clinic – Heel Pain