HEEL PAIN SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND TREATMENT

Mild heel pain from a temporary strain may settle with rest and supportive footwear. More often, though, heel pain is linked to an underlying cause that needs to be addressed — if it persists or keeps returning, it's unlikely to fully resolve on its own.

NSAIDs can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief, but they're unlikely to fully resolve heel pain on their own, as they don't address the root cause. For lasting relief, they're best combined with measures like rest, stretching, or supportive footwear, alongside a proper diagnosis from a podiatrist.

It can, particularly if the underlying cause isn't addressed. Following your podiatrist's footwear, exercise, and prevention advice helps reduce the chance of recurrence.

The vast majority of heel pain is managed successfully with non-surgical care. Surgery is rarely needed and is usually only considered when conservative treatments have been fully explored.

Depending on the cause of the heel pain, the treatment session length may vary. Generally, each treatment session may last between 5 - 20 minutes, not including the initial consultation. 

Most treatments are well tolerated. Some, such as shockwave therapy, may cause mild discomfort during the session, and the intensity can be adjusted for your comfort.

This depends on the cause and severity of your heel pain and the treatment used. Your podiatrist will outline an expected plan and review your progress along the way.

NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications that can ease pain and swelling temporarily, but they only manage symptoms rather than address what's causing them.

Treatments such as shockwave therapy or custom orthotics work differently: they target the underlying tissue or biomechanical issue directly, aiming for longer-term improvement rather than short-term relief.