Why does my heel hurt in the morning?

Morning heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis. During the night, the fascia contracts while at rest. With the first steps, it is subjected to a sudden stretch, which causes sharp pain under the heel. This symptom is a clear signal that you should see a podiatrist.

When should I see a podiatrist for heel pain?

See a podiatrist if the pain has persisted for more than two weeks, if it limits your daily activities, or if it is accompanied by swelling. Early diagnosis helps prevent the problem from becoming chronic and greatly facilitates treatment.

How can I quickly relieve heel pain?

While waiting for your appointment, apply ice for 15 minutes several times a day, stretch your calves and plantar fascia, and wear shoes with good support. However, these measures do not replace podiatric treatment tailored to the cause of your pain.

Heel Pain: Treatment | Podiatrist Laval

What is heel pain?

Heel pain (talalgia) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in podiatry. It can affect the bottom of the heel, the back, or the surrounding area, and results from various causes ranging from plantar fasciitis to heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, or stress fractures.

At our Laval clinic, we treat patients suffering from heel pain on a daily basis. An accurate diagnosis is essential, as treatment depends directly on the underlying cause.

Common causes of heel pain

Causes under the heel

Plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the plantar fascia, responsible for the majority of pain under the heel
Heel spur: bony growth on the calcaneus, often associated with chronic fasciitis
Plantar fat pad atrophy: thinning of the fatty cushion under the heel, more common with age
Calcaneal stress fracture: microfracture related to overtraining or osteoporosis

Causes at the back of the heel

Achilles tendinitis: inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf to the heel
Haglund's deformity: bony bump at the back of the calcaneus causing irritation
Retrocalcaneal bursitis: inflammation of the bursa between the Achilles tendon and the bone

Symptoms to watch for

Heel pain symptoms vary depending on the cause but generally include:

Morning pain: sharp pain with the first steps, characteristic of plantar fasciitis
Pain during exertion: worsening during walking, running, or prolonged standing
Localized tenderness: a precise painful point when palpating the heel
Stiffness: sensation of stiffness in the heel and ankle, especially after rest

Diagnosis at our clinic

Our team of podiatrists in Laval performs a comprehensive evaluation including:

Clinical examination: palpation, mobility tests, and pain assessment
Biomechanical analysis: gait and posture study to identify imbalances
Imaging: X-ray to detect a heel spur or fracture, ultrasound to assess soft tissues

Heel pain treatments

Custom foot orthotics

Custom foot orthotics correct biomechanical abnormalities, redistribute pressure, and support the arch of the foot. They are the foundational treatment for the majority of heel pain conditions.

Shockwave therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy stimulates tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation. This treatment is particularly effective for chronic pain resistant to conservative approaches.

PRP treatment

Platelet-rich plasma accelerates healing of damaged tissues by using the natural growth factors from your own blood.

Therapeutic taping

Taping provides temporary support to the fascia and reduces tension on the heel during the acute phase of treatment.

Prevention

Wear shoes that offer good arch support and heel cushioning
Regularly stretch your calves and plantar fascia
Gradually increase the intensity of your physical activities
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your heels
See a podiatrist at the first signs of persistent pain

This content is for informational purposes and does not replace a professional consultation.

Heel Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Symptoms

Treatments