Heel pain
Heel pain is common and is often caused by irritation of the strong band of tissue running along the sole of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause, but pain can also come from the heel bone, nearby joints, the soft tissue beneath the heel or small nerves around the area.
What causes heel pain?
Heel pain is common and is often caused by irritation of the strong band of tissue running along the sole of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause, but pain can also come from the heel bone, nearby joints, the soft tissue beneath the heel or small nerves around the area.
What causes it?
There may be more than one reason why this develops. Possible causes or contributing factors include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- A stress fracture of the heel bone
- Arthritis in the joint below the ankle
- Thinning of the soft tissue beneath the heel
- Irritation of small nerves
- High or flat arches
Unsupportive footwear or repeated activity on hard surfaces
What are the symptoms?
Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:
- A dull ache that may become sharper or persistent
- Pain beneath the heel or in the arch
- Pain that is worse on first standing after rest
- Pain that increases with running or long periods of walking
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant can often diagnose the cause by examining your foot and discussing your symptoms. An X-ray is not always needed. A heel spur may appear on an X-ray, but it does not usually cause pain or need to be removed.
We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through the results, so you understand what they mean for you.
How is it treated?
Most heel pain improves without surgery. Treatment aims to reduce irritation, improve flexibility and strength, and help you return gradually to activity. Together, we’ll build a plan around your needs, your recovery and the activities that matter most to you.
- Temporarily reducing painful activity
- Ice and elevation
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine, if advised
- Physiotherapy and stretching
- Night splints
- Heel pads, insoles or taping
- Shockwave therapy
- A steroid injection in selected cases
Your consultant will help you understand which options may be right for you and when your progress should be reviewed.
Recovery goals after treatment for heel pain
Early recovery
Settle pain and irritation Reduce strain on the heel Maintain gentle movement
As your symptoms improve
Improve calf and foot flexibility Rebuild foot strength Return to comfortable walking
Returning to full activity
Return gradually to running or weight-bearing sport Regain confidence in the foot Continue exercises to reduce recurrence
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Our specialists
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Imaging guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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