When Heel Pain Won’t Go Away: Is It Time to See a Podiatrist?

Heel pain can be more than a minor irritation—it can affect your ability to walk, exercise, and enjoy everyday life. While some aches may fade with rest or new shoes, persistent heel pain is often a sign that something more serious is going on. So how do you know when it’s time to call a podiatrist?

What’s Behind Your Heel Pain?

The most common cause of chronic heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports your arch and connects your heel to your toes. Patients often describe a stabbing pain that’s worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods.

However, not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. At Podiatry Associates of Indiana, we also see conditions like Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, bursitis, and stress fractures. These issues can develop from overuse, poor footwear, improper gait, or sudden increases in physical activity.

Understanding the root cause of your discomfort is key to long-term relief—which is why professional evaluation matters.

Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist

It’s normal to try rest, ice, and stretching when heel pain first strikes. But if the discomfort sticks around or worsens over time, it’s probably not going to resolve on its own. You should consider seeing a podiatrist if:

• The pain lasts longer than two weeks, even with at-home care
  
  
• You feel sharp pain with your first steps in the morning
  
  
• Swelling or redness develops around your heel
  
  
• The pain interferes with walking, working, or exercising
  
  

Left untreated, conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis can worsen, making recovery slower and more difficult. Early intervention can help you avoid more invasive treatments later.

What to Expect from Treatment

At Podiatry Associates of Indiana, we begin by carefully examining your foot and discussing your symptoms and lifestyle. We may use imaging tools to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other conditions like bone spurs or fractures.

Treatment is highly individualized. For many patients, we recommend custom orthotics that reduce strain and redistribute pressure across the foot. Others benefit from physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or night splints. If the pain persists, advanced options like shockwave therapy may be introduced.

We reserve surgery for rare cases when conservative treatments have not been effective—but our goal is always to restore your mobility with the least invasive solution possible.

For more on non-surgical options, visit our page on orthotics and treatment solutions.

Can Heel Pain Be Prevented?

In many cases, yes. Supportive footwear, proper stretching, and pacing your activity levels can prevent overuse injuries. We often work with patients on preventive care through regular check-ups and shoe-fitting consultations, especially those with flat feet, high arches, or previous injuries.

If you’re diabetic or at risk for foot complications, routine visits with a podiatrist are especially important. Learn more about our diabetic foot care to see how we help patients manage long-term foot health.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If heel pain is interfering with your life, don’t wait to seek help. At Podiatry Associates of Indiana, we provide compassionate, expert care that gets to the root of the problem—so you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

With ten convenient locations across Central Indiana, it’s easy to get started. Request your appointment today and let our experienced podiatrists help you move forward with confidence.