What causes heel pain?
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, the main causes of heel pain include prolonged standing or walking, wearing improper footwear, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should choose appropriate footwear and avoid prolonged standing or walking; perform moderate foot stretching exercises to enhance foot muscle strength.
Generally, the main causes of heel pain include prolonged standing or walking, wearing improper footwear, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendinitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Prolonged Standing or Walking
The feet continuously bear body weight, leading to overfatigue of muscles and ligaments, which may cause heel pain. Reduce time spent standing or walking, elevate your feet during rest, choose shoes with arch support, and soak your feet in warm water before bedtime to relieve fatigue.
2. Improper Footwear
Shoes with excessively hard soles, high heels, or those that are too tight can lead to uneven pressure and localized compression on the heel, resulting in pain. Switch to wider, softer shoes with shock-absorbing features, avoid wearing high heels or flat, hard-soled shoes, and consider using silicone heel pads daily to reduce pressure.
3. Plantar Fasciitis
Repeated strain on the plantar fascia leads to micro-injuries and aseptic inflammation, causing heel pain—especially noticeable upon waking or during initial steps. Under medical guidance, medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, or flurbiprofen gel patches may be used. Additionally, perform regular plantar fascia stretching exercises and use a fascia ball to relax the foot tissues.
4. Heel Spur (Calcaneal Spur)
Bony growths (spurs) on the calcaneus irritate surrounding soft tissues, causing pain that worsens during walking. Under medical supervision, treatments may include ibuprofen gel, naproxen tablets, or eperisone hydrochloride tablets. In severe cases, surgical removal of the heel spur may be required; after surgery, avoid bearing weight too early.
5. Achilles Tendinitis
Repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon leads to inflammatory damage, causing pain at the back of the heel, which worsens after physical activity. Medications such as etoricoxib tablets, diclofenac diethylamine gel, or Huoxue Zhitong capsules may be used under medical advice. Severe cases may require Achilles tendon repair surgery. Avoid intense running or jumping in daily life, and ensure adequate warm-up before exercise.
In daily life, choose appropriate footwear and avoid prolonged standing or walking. Perform moderate foot stretching exercises to strengthen foot muscles, maintain a healthy weight to reduce foot strain, and seek medical evaluation promptly if persistent pain occurs.
