Understanding Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints we see — and the good news is that most cases resolve with conservative, non-surgical care.
Why Does My Heel Hurt?
Heel pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation — especially with those first steps in the morning. It can affect the bottom of the heel, the back of the heel, or both. The good news is that most heel pain resolves with conservative treatment. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Common Causes
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot. The most common cause of heel pain, classically causing sharp pain with the first steps in the morning.
Achilles Tendinitis
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Causes pain at the back of the heel, often worse with activity.
Heel Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel, often from repetitive stress or poorly fitting shoes.
Heel Spurs
A bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Often seen alongside plantar fasciitis but rarely the source of pain itself.
Risk Factors
- Running or jumping sports, especially on hard surfaces
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Poorly fitting shoes or worn-out athletic shoes
- Occupations that require prolonged standing or walking
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
Treatment Options
At Pathways Foot & Ankle, we always start with conservative, non-surgical treatments. Surgery is a last resort.
- Proper footwear and arch support
- Stretching exercises for the calf and plantar fascia
- Custom orthotics to correct biomechanics
- Functional medicine testing to uncover root causes
- Shockwave therapy to stimulate healing
- Cortisone injections for stubborn inflammation
- Regenerative injections to support tissue repair
When to See a Specialist
- Pain that persists for more than 2 weeks despite home care
- Pain that worsens or interferes with daily activities
- Sharp, stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your foot
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, fever)
At-Home Care Tips
- Ice the painful area for 15–20 minutes several times a day
- Perform calf stretches before getting out of bed
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your feet
- Replace athletic shoes every 300–500 miles
What to Expect at Pathways Foot & Ankle
- Unhurried appointments where you're truly heard
- A thorough evaluation to find the root cause of your pain
- In-office diagnostic ultrasound to pinpoint the source
- Access to cutting-edge non-surgical treatments
- Transparent pricing with no surprise bills
- Same-day or next-day appointments, no referral needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Will heel pain go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve with rest, ice, and stretching. But plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis often worsen without treatment, and chronic cases take longer to resolve. If pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks, an evaluation is worth it.
Do I need surgery for heel pain?
Rarely. The vast majority of heel pain cases improve with conservative care — footwear changes, stretching, orthotics, injections, shockwave, or regenerative therapy. Surgery is reserved for the small percentage of cases that don't respond.
Are heel spurs the cause of my pain?
Usually not. Heel spurs are common and often painless. The pain typically comes from inflammation of the plantar fascia or surrounding tissues, not the spur itself.
Can I keep running with heel pain?
That depends on the severity and diagnosis. Some patients can continue modified activity while treatment starts. Others need a short period of reduced impact. We'll give you specific guidance based on your exam.
Take the next step — reach out today
Pathways Foot & Ankle - Dr. Craig Clifford
216 14th St, Oregon City, OR 97045
(971) 359-5299 — Call Dr. Clifford directly
Same-day & next-day appointments available, no referral needed
House calls also available throughout the region.