Heel Pain in Adults
Understanding the causes and how we can help at Foot Clinic NI


Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems affecting adults. It can make walking, standing
and exercising uncomfortable or even painful, impacting work, daily activities and quality of life.
The good news is that most cases can be effectively treated with the right care.


Common Causes of Heel Pain in Adults
Heel pain in adults often develops gradually and can be caused by a number of factors, including:
• Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot
• Achilles tendinopathy – irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon
• Heel spurs – bony growths on the heel bone, often linked to plantar fasciitis
• Overuse from running, standing for long periods or sudden increases in activity
• Poor footwear or biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches
• Weight gain or changes in activity levels


Common Symptoms
Adults with heel pain often notice:
• Sharp or stabbing pain first thing in the morning or after resting
• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, walking or exercise
• Tenderness or swelling around the heel
• Difficulty with everyday activities such as climbing stairs or wearing certain shoes


How Foot Clinic NI Can Help
At Foot Clinic NI in Bangor, our experienced HCPC-registered podiatrists specialise in diagnosing
and treating heel pain in adults. We take a thorough, individualised approach to help you get back
on your feet comfortably.


We offer a wide range of effective treatments, including:
• Comprehensive biomechanical assessment and gait analysis
• Custom-made orthotics to support and correct foot function
• Shockwave Therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases
• Advice on footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises
• Ultrasound-guided injections where appropriate
• Ongoing support and rehabilitation programmes


Many adults see significant improvement with the right combination of treatments. Our team will
work with you to create a personalised plan based on your lifestyle, activity levels and the specific
cause of your heel pain.


When to Seek Professional Help
If your heel pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or is affecting your ability to
walk or work, it is a good idea to have it assessed. Early intervention often leads to faster and more
effective relief.


Book your heel pain assessment today

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is a general term used to describe pain under the heel bone. It is  is extremely common with 1 in 10 people will suffering from heel pain. Thankfully there are many  treatment options to manage heel  pain.  There are multiple conditions that can affect the heel, so understanding the specific diagnosis is important when establishing an appropriate treatment plan.

Causes?

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot and inserts into the heel. This tissue can be damaged, torn or overloaded with increased activity levels on the foot, or increased body weight. Microdamage and swelling occurs under the heel, leading to increased collagen turnover and scar tissue formation. This causes chronic thickening of the plantar fascia that can easily be identified by scanning the foot with the use of diagnostic ultrasound scan.

Symptoms

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

  • Pain on the bottom of the heel.
  • Pain in the arch of the foot.
  • Pain is worse in the morning.
  • Pain that increases over a period of time.

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