Heel Pain That Won't Go Away? Here's Why (And What Actually Works)
If you're experiencing heel pain that won't go away, you're not alone. This is one of the most common complaints we see at Lower Limb Clinic, and it's often a sign of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis or Misdiagnosis. The good news? With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 8-12 weeks with specialist treatment.
Common Causes of Heel Pain That Won't Go Away
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis that persists beyond 3-6 months is considered chronic. At this stage, the tissue has often changed from acute inflammation to chronic degeneration (plantar fasciosis), requiring different treatment approaches.
Who typically experiences this: Those who delayed treatment, people who received inadequate initial treatment, those with significant biomechanical issues.
Misdiagnosis
Persistent heel pain despite treatment may indicate the original diagnosis was wrong. Conditions like nerve entrapment, stress fractures, and fat pad problems require different approaches.
Who typically experiences this: Anyone whose heel pain hasn't responded to standard plantar fasciitis treatment.
Contributing Factors Not Addressed
If underlying biomechanical issues, footwear problems, or training errors aren't corrected, heel pain tends to persist or recur despite treatment.
Who typically experiences this: Those treated with symptom relief only, without addressing root causes.
Without proper assessment, it's impossible to know exactly what's causing your heel pain that won't go away. What works for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis may not help—or could worsen—Misdiagnosis.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You should book an assessment if:
- Heel pain has lasted more than 3 months
- Previous treatment hasn't worked
- Pain is affecting your quality of life
- You've been told 'it just takes time' without a clear diagnosis
"Most patients we see have tried various home remedies before booking. You're not wasting our time—persistent symptoms warrant professional assessment."
Our Diagnostic Approach
At your initial consultation, we'll:
Take a detailed history
Understanding when your heel pain that won't go away started, what makes it better or worse, and your activity levels.
Physical examination
Hands-on assessment of your foot, ankle, and lower limb.
Biomechanical assessment
Evaluating how you stand and walk, identifying any contributing factors.
Gait analysis (if indicated)
Video and pressure plate analysis to understand your movement patterns.
We'll explain our findings clearly and discuss all treatment options before recommending a plan.
How We Treat Heel Pain That Won't Go Away
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
Comprehensive reassessment
Fresh diagnostic evaluation including ultrasound imaging
Shockwave therapy
NICE-approved treatment specifically for chronic heel pain
Custom orthotics
Precision-manufactured to address your specific biomechanics
Ultrasound-guided injection
Accurately targeted treatment for appropriate cases
"We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Your plan will be tailored to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals."
"I'd been suffering with heel pain that won't go away for months before finally coming to Lower Limb Clinic. Within weeks of starting treatment, the improvement was remarkable. Wish I'd come sooner!"
— Verified Patient Review
Common Questions About Heel Pain That Won't Go Away
Ready to Find Out What's Causing Your Heel Pain That Won't Go Away?
Book a comprehensive assessment with our MSc-qualified specialist. Most patients wish they'd come sooner.
600+ patients have rated us 5 stars on Google