Understanding Heel Pain: A Comprehensive Guide for Burlington Residents
- Folarin Babatunde PT PhD
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems. Many people describe it as a sharp, stabbing, or deep aching pain under the heel—especially when they first get out of bed or stand up after sitting. That “first-step pain” pattern is a strong clue that your heel pain may be linked to plantar fasciitis (pain where the strong support tissue under the foot attaches near the heel).
The encouraging part is this: most heel pain improves with consistent, simple steps. It rarely needs extreme treatments, and it usually does not mean you’ve “ruined” your foot.
What Causes Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Think of the bottom of your foot like a support system. There’s a thick band of tissue under the foot that helps hold the arch and manage load when you walk, climb stairs, or run.
Heel pain often begins when your foot is asked to do more than it’s ready for, such as:
A sudden increase in standing or walking (work shifts, travel, new routine)
Returning to running or sport too quickly
More hills, stairs, speed work, or jumping than usual
Footwear changes, especially moving to less supportive shoes during a busy period
Tight calves or ankle stiffness, which can increase strain through the heel area
A helpful way to think about this is: your heel isn’t “weak”; it’s overloaded. The goal is to reduce irritation and then rebuild capacity.
Who is At Risk of Developing Heel Pain
If you have heel pain, it doesn’t mean your foot is “broken.” In many cases, it’s a load and capacity problem—your heel is taking more stress than it can comfortably manage right now. The table below highlights common factors that increase your risk (like prolonged standing, tight calves, flat or high arches, and reduced ankle mobility) and the practical ways physiotherapy helps you recover.
Table 1: Why Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Happens: Risk Factors and How Physiotherapy Helps
Comments