Podiatry condition

Heel Pain足跟痛/足底筋膜炎

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people see a podiatrist, and where it hurts is usually the first clue to the cause. Pain under the heel is most often plantar fasciitis; pain behind the heel usually points to an Achilles tendon problem; in active children, it's frequently Sever's disease. All three respond well to conservative podiatric treatment, and surgery is rarely needed.

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Heel Pain at a Glance

Detail	Information
Most common cause	Plantar fasciitis (pain under the heel)
Typical recovery	Weeks to a few months, depending on cause and treatment
Session duration	30–45 minutes
GP referral needed?	No
Insurance accepted	Multiple panels
Clinicians	Registered podiatrists

What Causes Heel Pain?

Heel pain is usually multifactorial rather than the result of a single injury. Common contributing factors include:

Overuse — a sudden increase in walking, running or standing hours
Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon
Gait abnormalities — overpronation or oversupination changes how load passes through the heel
Ill-fitting or worn-out footwear
Weight gain — increases load on the heel with every step
Underlying conditions — including diabetes and arthritis

What's Causing Pain Under Your Heel?

The most likely cause is plantar fasciitis, sometimes with an accompanying heel spur. It causes:

Pain that's worst in the first few steps of the morning
Pain that eases with movement, then returns after standing or sitting for a while
Pain that progresses the longer you're on your feet

What's Causing Pain Behind Your Heel?

This is usually insertional Achilles tendonitis — inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. It causes:

Sharp or aching pain at the back of the heel
Pain after prolonged activity
Morning stiffness and tenderness along the Achilles
Limited ankle flexibility (dorsiflexion)

Is It Sever's Disease? (For Active Children)

Sever's disease — also called calcaneal apophysitis — is inflammation of the heel's growth plate. It's common in active children aged 8 to 14 and causes pain and tenderness behind the heel bone that worsens with activity and eases with rest. Unlike the causes above, it resolves on its own once growth is complete, but activity modification and supportive footwear help manage symptoms in the meantime.

How Can a Podiatrist Help with Heel Pain?

At Physio & Sole Clinic, treatment starts with pinpointing the cause, since pain under the heel and pain behind it call for different approaches.

Step 1: Assessment

Hip, knee, ankle and foot examination
Standing and gait analysis to identify biomechanical contributors
Footwear analysis and advice

Step 2: Pain Relief

Shockwave therapy — high-energy sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain
Dry needling — releases trigger points and relieves tension
Manual therapy — to relieve pain and improve mobility
Sports taping — support and stability during activity

Step 3: Correcting the Underlying Cause

Stretching and strengthening exercises, customised to your presentation
Custom orthotics — relieve pressure and correct imbalances
Heel raises, to reduce strain on the heel
Footwear modifications

Recovery may take several months for chronic cases. If conservative treatment doesn't provide long-term relief, our podiatrists can refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain?

Heel pain that persists for more than two weeks despite rest
Pain that limits your walking, exercise or daily routine
Pain that keeps returning after a previous episode
Heel pain that isn't improving, or that's getting worse

Left untreated, heel pain can worsen and — in the case of plantar fasciitis specifically — occasionally lead to a plantar fascia rupture requiring surgery. Early treatment produces faster, more reliable results.

If you're experiencing heel pain, book an appointment at any of our 11 clinic locations across Singapore — no GP referral is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions on Heel Pain

Will heel pain go away on its own?

It may ease with rest, but the underlying cause often remains. Returning to the activity that triggered it — exercise, prolonged standing — can reactivate the problem, and in the case of plantar fasciitis, neglected cases can occasionally progress to a rupture requiring surgery.

How is heel pain different from plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain is the symptom; plantar fasciitis is one of several possible causes. Pain under the heel is most often plantar fasciitis, while pain behind the heel usually points to an Achilles tendon problem instead — the location is the first clue to which one you have.

How long does heel pain last?

It depends on the cause and how early treatment starts. Some people find relief within weeks; others, especially with chronic or untreated cases, take months. Early intervention consistently leads to faster recovery.

Can heel pain be something serious?

Usually not, but neglected heel pain can become chronic and affect mobility. In rare cases, persistent heel pain unrelated to activity can indicate something else and warrants further investigation.

When should I see a podiatrist about heel pain?

See a podiatrist if the pain persists beyond two weeks, keeps recurring, or is affecting your daily activities — earlier assessment means a simpler, faster recovery.

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