Heel Pain Physiotherapy
Heel pain may be felt underneath the heel, at the back of the heel, or around the surrounding area. Symptoms may become more noticeable with the first steps in the morning, when getting up after sitting, prolonged standing, walking, running or jumping. Different pain locations and activity patterns may point towards different foot or ankle presentations, so assessment usually considers where the pain is felt and how it responds to loading.
If pain is mainly underneath the heel or along the inner sole and is especially noticeable with the first steps in the morning, you may also refer to [Plantar Fasciitis Physiotherapy]. If pain is mainly at the back of the heel or around the Achilles tendon, [Achilles Tendinopathy Physiotherapy] may also be relevant.
Common symptoms
- Pain or tenderness underneath, behind or around the heel
- Symptoms that are more noticeable with the first steps after rest
- Heel discomfort after prolonged standing or walking
- Pain during running, jumping or other weight-bearing activities
- Tightness or discomfort around the sole, calf or Achilles region in some cases
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at whether the pain is mainly underneath the heel, behind it, or around another nearby area, when symptoms are most noticeable, and how standing, walking, running or other weight-bearing activities affect them. Where appropriate, ankle movement, calf and foot strength, gait, single-leg loading and lower-limb loading may also be assessed to identify factors associated with the symptoms and activity limitations.
Further medical assessment may be appropriate if heel pain follows significant trauma, weight-bearing is markedly limited, there is substantial swelling, or the symptoms progressively worsen in a way that does not fit a typical activity-related pattern.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include activity modification, foot, ankle and calf exercises, and graded progression of standing, walking, running or other weight-bearing activities according to the symptom presentation and lower-limb function. Where relevant, gait, lower-limb loading, footwear and day-to-day activity demands may also be considered.
If heel pain repeatedly occurs during standing, walking or running and gait or lower-limb loading needs further assessment, you may also refer to [Foot & Lower Limb Biomechanical Assessment].
Related Conditions
Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendinopathy
Ankle Sprain
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.