Heel Pain
Heel Pain Treatment at The London Podiatry Centre
Heel pain is one of the most common conditions we treat at The London Podiatry Centre. Many of our patients come to us after other treatments have failed — often with more complex or persistent cases.
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first and most important step. Heel pain can be caused by a range of issues, including:
Bone bruising (bone oedema) or stress fractures
Plantar fasciitis, where inflammation occurs at the ligament’s attachment to the heel (known as an enthesopathy)
Nerve entrapment around the heel
Tendon disorders near the heel area
We use high-resolution imaging and biomechanical assessment to pinpoint the exact cause, so treatment is targeted and effective.
Our treatment options include:
Shockwave therapy for plantar fascia-related pain
Specialist injections for inflammation or nerve irritation
Cryosurgery and radiofrequency ablation for cases involving chronic nerve pain
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are often blamed, but they’re rarely the true cause of heel pain. If they do need to be removed, we only do so using minimally invasive techniques. Opening up the heel pad surgically to access the spur is avoided, as it can lead to poor long-term outcomes.
The vast majority of our patients improve with conservative care or minimally invasive treatments — and surgery is rarely necessary.
What Causes Heel Pain?
While plantar fasciitis remains by far the most common cause of heel pain, many patients are surprised to learn that heel pain can result from a variety of different problems, often overlapping:
Plantar fasciitis: Strain of the plantar fascia ligament under the foot, leading to microtears, thickening, inflammation, and chronic pain.
Nerve entrapments: Such as Baxter’s nerve compression or other nerve irritations around the heel and ankle.
Heel spurs: Bony overgrowth at the heel attachment point.
Stress fractures: Microfractures within the heel bone (calcaneus).
Bone bruising: Repetitive impact injuries.
Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs cushioning the heel.
Other nerve entrapments and soft tissue disorders.
The Importance of Proper Diagnosis
At The London Podiatry Centre, we combine advanced biomechanical assessment, computerised gait analysis, and high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound to quickly and accurately identify the specific cause of heel pain. Many heel problems are rooted in underlying biomechanical dysfunction, which may lead to ongoing strain and prevent healing if not properly addressed.
Identifying and correcting these contributing factors is often the key to achieving long-term resolution. We offer one of the most comprehensive and advanced heel pain services available anywhere in the UK, including both non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments:
Custom orthotics and footwear correction to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and support proper foot mechanics.
Activity modification and rehabilitation programs to reduce loading and encourage tissue healing.
Shockwave therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy): Highly effective for chronic plantar fasciitis and heel pain, stimulating tissue repair and reducing pain.
Steroid injections: Reduce inflammation and pain when combined with biomechanical correction.
Hydrodissection: Uses fluid to separate scarred or compressed tissues, often highly effective for nerve entrapments such as Baxter’s nerve.
Needling techniques (dry needling / micro-stimulation): Stimulates healing within damaged fascia and soft tissues.
For nerve-related heel pain, we offer highly specialised treatments rarely available in most centres:
Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy: Minimally invasive nerve modulation to calm chronically irritated nerves.
Cryosurgery (Cryoablation): Targeted freezing to deactivate problematic nerves while preserving healthy tissue.
Plantar fasciotomy: A minimally invasive surgical release of the plantar fascia for severe cases resistant to conservative care.
Surgical nerve decompression: For complex nerve entrapments when indicated.
In the vast majority of cases, our advanced diagnostic approach allows us to resolve heel pain successfully without the need for surgery.
Why Choose The London Podiatry Centre for Heel Pain?
Extensive experience in treating all forms of heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Full integration of biomechanical gait analysis and diagnostic ultrasound into every patient assessment.
Specialist expertise in nerve-related heel pain, using cryosurgery and radiofrequency not widely available elsewhere.
Highly individualised treatment plans focused on long-term resolution, not just short-term symptom relief.
International patient base and a strong reputation for resolving complex, long-standing cases.
Don’t let heel pain control your life any longer. Many patients come to us after months — even years — of failed treatment elsewhere. With advanced diagnostics and world-class treatment options, we help patients return to walking comfortably and living pain-free.
Contact The London Podiatry Centre today to schedule your heel pain consultation.
