Why Is My Heel Hurting? Causes and Solutions from a Heel Pain Specialist in Dublin

Waking up to a sharp pain in your heel? Or maybe it flares up after a walk or a long day on your feet? You're not alone — heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we see at Mary Moore Podiatry. It can make simple things like walking, standing, or exercising surprisingly uncomfortable.

In this blog, we’ll break down what might be causing your heel pain, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to visit a heel pain specialist in Dublin.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain doesn’t have one single cause. In fact, there are several different issues that could be behind that nagging discomfort. Here are the most common ones:

1. Plantar Fasciitis

This is the leading cause of heel pain, especially in adults over 40 or people who spend a lot of time on their feet. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot. When it becomes irritated or strained, you’ll feel pain under your heel, often first thing in the morning.

2. Heel Spurs

Sometimes, ongoing strain on the foot can lead to bony growths called heel spurs. While not always painful themselves, they often occur alongside plantar fasciitis and can worsen symptoms.

3. Achilles Tendonitis

Pain at the back of the heel? It might be your Achilles tendon. This large tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. Overuse, tight calf muscles, or poor footwear can cause it to become inflamed.

4. Bursitis

There are small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) near your heel that help reduce friction. If they become inflamed, walking or standing may cause a burning or aching sensation at the back or underside of the heel.

5. Stress Fractures or Bruising

Sudden heel pain, especially after intense activity or a new workout routine, could be due to a stress fracture or deep bruising in the heel bone.

What You Can Do at Home

While some heel pain improves with simple care, it’s important not to ignore it if it persists. Here are a few things you can try:

• Rest and Ice: Give your foot a break and apply ice to reduce inflammation.

• Stretching: Gentle stretches for your calves and arches can ease pressure on the heel.

• Proper Footwear: Supportive shoes with good cushioning can make a big difference. Avoid walking barefoot on hard floors.

• Insoles: Over-the-counter or custom insoles can help realign the foot and reduce strain.

If pain continues for more than a week or gets worse, it’s time to see a specialist.

How a Heel Pain Specialist in Dublin Can Help

At Mary Moore Podiatry, we take a comprehensive approach to heel pain. Every foot is different, so we begin with a thorough assessment to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.

Depending on what we find, treatment may include:

• Custom Orthotics: Designed to support your arch and relieve pressure on the heel.

• Targeted Stretching Plans: Tailored to your foot shape and mobility.

• Taping or Padding: To offload pressure points and allow healing.

• Footwear Advice: We’ll help you find the right shoes for your lifestyle and foot type.

• Referrals: In rare cases, if imaging or additional treatment is needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

The goal is always the same: get you back on your feet — comfortably and confidently.

When to Book an Appointment

You should consider seeing a heel pain specialist in Dublin if:

• The pain doesn’t improve with rest or home care

• You have swelling, redness, or warmth in the heel

• Walking is difficult or you're changing how you walk to avoid pain

• The pain is affecting your daily life

Ignoring heel pain often leads to bigger problems down the line — like knee, hip, or back discomfort from walking differently.

A Final Word

Heel pain can be frustrating, but it’s rarely something you just have to “live with.” With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people see a big improvement — and often complete relief — within a few weeks or months. If you’re dealing with persistent discomfort, don’t wait.

Reach out to a qualified heel pain specialist in Dublin like Mary Moore Podiatry. We’re here to help you walk pain-free again.