Podiatry
Heel Pain
Pain at the bottom or back of the heel from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, nerve irritation, stress fractures and more.
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people see a podiatrist. Because several different structures overlap in this small area of the foot, working out exactly what's causing your pain is the first and most important step towards the right treatment.
Common causes
- Plantar FasciitisPain at the bottom of your heel, especially in the first few steps after rest, usually caused by overuse or a sudden increase in load through the foot.
- Achilles TendinopathyAn umbrella term for pain, swelling, and tenderness affecting the Achilles tendon and the structures around it.
- Tarsal Tunnel SyndromeCompression of the nerve that runs between the inside of your ankle and your heel bone, often causing tingling, burning, or numbness in your heel and forefoot.
- Stress FractureAn uncommon injury to the heel bone, usually caused by high-impact sport, a hard fall onto the heel, or a heavy object landing on the foot.
- Sever's DiseasePain and swelling at the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, most common in growing children aged 8 to 14.
- Sural Nerve IrritationIrritation of the sural nerve, which runs alongside the Achilles tendon between the outside of your ankle and heel.
- Systemic InflammationLess common autoimmune or inflammatory conditions that can affect the bone, tissue, and skin around the heel.
- Skin ConditionsLesions, discolouration, or rashes around the heel, which can result from infection, pressure, or an embedded foreign object.
Assessment & treatment
Because these conditions can share similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical examination. Your clinician will ask about when your pain started, what makes it better or worse, and your activity levels, footwear, and any past injuries. They'll also examine your foot and ankle directly, checking your range of motion, strength, and the precise location of your pain — since where it hurts often tells us a great deal about which structure is involved.
For most presentations, this hands-on assessment is enough to reach a working diagnosis. Occasionally, imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other causes, particularly if your pain isn't responding to initial treatment or a bone injury is suspected.
Treatment
Your treatment plan will depend on which condition is causing your pain and how long you've had symptoms. Most heel pain conditions respond best to a structured, progressive approach rather than a single fix — this may involve a combination of load management, footwear changes, orthotics, targeted exercises, and hands-on therapies such as shockwave therapy or dry needling. Explore the individual condition pages for more detail on what treatment might look like for you.
How Simba Health treats Heel Pain
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Heel Pain. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Heel Pain without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Heel Pain is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Heel Pain. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544