Sharp Pain Under Your Heel When Walking? Causes & Solutions
If you're experiencing sharp pain under heel when walking, 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 Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spur. The good news? With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement within 4-12 weeks depending on cause.
Common Causes of Sharp Pain Under Heel When Walking
Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp, stabbing pain at the heel attachment of the plantar fascia is the classic presentation. The pain is often described as stepping on a stone or nail.
Who typically experiences this: Adults aged 40-60, runners, people who stand for work, those who've gained weight recently.
Heel Spur
A bony growth on the heel bone can cause sharp pain, though many heel spurs are painless. The spur itself isn't usually the problem—it's the inflamed tissue around it.
Who typically experiences this: Those with long-standing plantar fasciitis, older adults, people with abnormal gait patterns.
Nerve Entrapment (Baxter's Nerve)
Compression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve causes sharp, burning heel pain that can mimic plantar fasciitis but requires different treatment.
Who typically experiences this: Runners, those with flat feet, people with heel swelling from other causes.
Without proper assessment, it's impossible to know exactly what's causing your sharp pain under heel when walking. What works for Plantar Fasciitis may not help—or could worsen—Heel Spur.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You should book an assessment if:
- Sharp pain with every step for more than a week
- Pain is severe or limiting your walking
- You notice tingling or numbness alongside the pain
- The pain came on suddenly after an injury
"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 sharp pain under heel when walking 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 Sharp Pain Under Heel When Walking
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
Ultrasound diagnosis
Visualise the plantar fascia and rule out other causes
Targeted stretching
Specific exercises to address the cause of your pain
Custom orthotics
Offload the painful area and correct contributing biomechanics
Injection therapy
Ultrasound-guided injection for severe 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 sharp pain under heel when walking 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 Sharp Pain Under Heel When Walking
Ready to Find Out What's Causing Your Sharp Pain Under Heel When Walking?
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