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Heel Pain - For Information Purposes Only

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Heel pain is a common foot condition. It's usually felt as an intense pain when using the affected heel.

 

Heel pain usually builds up gradually and gets worse over time. The pain is often severe and occurs when you place weight on your heel.

 

In most cases, only one heel is affected, although estimates suggest that around a third of people have pain in both heels.

The pain is usually worse first thing in the morning, or when you first take a step after a period of inactivity. Walking usually improves the pain, but it often gets worse again after walking or standing for a long time.

 

Some people may limp or develop an abnormal walking style as they try to avoid placing weight on the affected heel.

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Copyright:

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Information from NHS Choices, available online at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heel-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx (Accessed 16/02/2017)

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The NHS advises the following:

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Do

• take ibuprofen or paracetamol

• put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel under the heel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

• wear shoes with a medium heel (2 to 3cm) – both men and women

• gentle stretching exercises

• try heel pads

Don't

• put weight on the foot – avoid walking or standing for long periods

• go barefoot or wear flat shoes

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Information from NHS Choices, available online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heel-pain/ (Accessed 28/05/2018

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