Heel Pain Symptoms
Heel pain often shows up as:
- Sharp pain with your first steps in the morning
- Aching after standing or walking for long periods
- Tenderness on the bottom or back of the heel
- Pain that eases as you move, then returns later
- Stiffness in the foot after rest
- Swelling around the heel
How we treat it
We start by identifying exactly what’s causing your pain, because the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis. Most heel pain responds well to conservative care: activity adjustments, stretching programs, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, icing, and anti-inflammatory guidance. Night splints can help when morning pain is the main complaint.
For pain that hangs on despite these measures, we offer advanced in-office options such as shockwave therapy and laser therapy — non-surgical treatments that encourage healing in stubborn tissue — as well as injections when appropriate. Most of our heel pain patients improve without ever needing surgery, and we’ll track your progress and adjust the plan until you’re feeling like yourself again.
When to see a doctor
- Severe heel pain or swelling
- Pain that makes it hard to walk normally
- Heel pain that started after an injury
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
- No improvement after a couple of weeks of rest and supportive shoes
Imagine mornings without that first-step pain. Call Jacksonville Foot & Ankle Clinic at (904) 731-1711 or book your appointment online — we look forward to caring for you and getting you back on your feet.
Learn more about heel pain from Mayo Clinic.