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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffSee your doctor immediately if you have:
- Severe pain and swelling near your heel
- Inability to bend your foot downward, rise on your toes or walk normally
- Heel pain with fever, numbness or tingling in your heel
- Severe heel pain immediately after an injury
Schedule an office visit if you have:
- Heel pain that continues when you're not walking or standing
- Heel pain that lasts more than a few weeks, even after you've tried rest, ice and other home treatments
Self-care
Heel pain often goes away on its own with home care. For heel pain that isn't severe, try the following:
- Rest. If possible, avoid activities that put stress on your heels, such as running, standing for long periods or walking on hard surfaces.
- Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on your heel for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
- New shoes. Be sure your shoes fit properly and provide plenty of support. If you're an athlete, choose shoes appropriate for your sport and replace them regularly.
- Foot supports. Heel cups or wedges that you buy in the drugstore often provide relief. Custom-made orthotics usually aren't needed for heel problems.
- Over-the-counter pain medications. Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can reduce inflammation and pain.
References
- Heel pain. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00159. Accessed Jan. 3, 2013.
- Thomas JL, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: A clinical practice guideline — Revision 2010. Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. 2010;49:S1.
- Sheon RP, et al. Plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel and sole pain. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 3, 2013.
- Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013:5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Jan. 3, 2012.
- Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 15, 2013.
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