Heel Pain

Heel Pain Treatment in Portsmouth & Nashua, NH

We help identify the cause of your heel pain and create a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term relief and improved mobility.

What is Heel Pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common foot conditions we treat and can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Pain may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly after increased activity, injury, or strain.

Heel pain is often caused by inflammation, ligament irritation, stress on the heel bone, or strain on the soft tissues supporting the foot.

Some people experience:

Sharp pain with first steps in the morning
Pain after standing or walking for long periods
Tenderness along the bottom or back of the heel
Pain that worsens with activity

Symptoms of Heel Pain

Common symptoms of heel pain may include:

Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel
Pain when getting out of bed in the morning
Heel pain after exercise or activity
Swelling or tenderness
Tightness in the arch or Achilles tendon
Pain after long periods of standing
Difficulty walking comfortably

Woman's leg hurts, pain in the heel, massage of female feet

What Causes Heel Pain

Heel pain can develop from several different conditions, including:

Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinitis
Heel spurs
Stress injuries
Bursitis
Tight calf muscles or tendon strain
Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
Arthritis or inflammation

Because heel pain can have many causes, proper diagnosis is important to determine the most effective treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Heel pain often worsens over time if left untreated. Many people try to “push through” the discomfort, but ongoing strain can lead to:

Increased inflammation
Changes in walking mechanics
Knee, hip, or back pain
Reduced activity levels
Chronic pain and stiffness

Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent long-term issues and improve recovery outcomes.

Dr. Sartori showing orthotic to Telemedicine patient

Treatment Options for Heel Pain

Heel pain treatment depends on the cause, severity, activity level, and lifestyle of each patient.

Custom Orthotics & Arch Support

Designed for your feet to improve alignment, support the arch, and reduce strain on joints and soft tissues. This is often the most effective long-term solution.

MLS Laser Therapy

MLS Laser Therapy may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate healing in painful soft tissues.

Shockwave Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing response and may help treat chronic plantar fasciitis and stubborn heel pain without surgery.

When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain

You should schedule an evaluation if:

Heel pain lasts more than a few weeks
Pain is affecting your daily activities
You experience swelling or worsening symptoms
Pain returns repeatedly
Home remedies are no longer helping
You cannot comfortably exercise or walk

Getting evaluated early can help identify the cause of your heel pain and prevent more serious complications.

Get the Right Support for Your Feet

Heel pain does not have to limit your daily life. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, relief is possible. Northeast Foot and Ankle provides personalized heel pain treatment for patients in Portsmouth and Nashua, NH.

Schedule Your Evaluation

FAQs: Heel Pain

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, inflammation, stress injuries, or abnormal foot mechanics.

Can heel pain go away on its own?

Mild heel pain may improve with rest, but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated to prevent chronic problems.

What treatments are available for heel pain?

Treatment options may include orthotics, stretching, supportive footwear, MLS Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, physical therapy, or advanced treatment options depending on the diagnosis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot and is one of the most common causes of heel pain.

Do I need custom orthotics for heel pain?

Not everyone requires orthotics, but custom support can significantly improve comfort and reduce strain for many patients.

The folks at Northeast Foot and Ankle are great! The staff were very kind and knowledgeable. The new patient process was very easy to do and they offered the ability to do it in advance on the portal. My appointment was on time and I was out in under 45 minutes.

Bridget

Very happy I chose Northeast Foot and Ankle! Dr. Sartori and the entire staff are very attentive and knowledgeable. I had a bunion removed and from my initial appointment, through the surgery, and to the last follow up I always had a great experience. I highly recommend this group!

Jennifer

Total experience rates a 10. Dr. Baczewski was the epitome of what a medical professional should be. She offered a choice of options to alleviate my foot pain. Once I opted for surgery, the process went smoothly both in the surgery center and the office for post operative laser and follow up. The entire staff was welcoming, courteous, and highly trained. The facility was easy to access with ample parking. The online reminders for appointments was also a plus.
I would highly recommend Northeast Foot and Ankle.

Leslie

Both doctors are excellent practitioners who explain things upfront and do not try to upsell/push unnecessary services. I recommend laser treatments if you have persistent warts.
They also saved my baby sister’s life when the ER doctors wanted to send her home while she had a huge infection on her heel—one call from Sartori and she was admitted for three days and got the right treatment. She turned 21 this summer ☺️ these people care and do a great job!!

Michael

Get the Right Support for Your Feet

If flat feet are causing discomfort or affecting how you move, the right support can make a significant difference. With a personalized treatment plan, you can reduce pain, improve stability, and get back to your normal routine with confidence.

Schedule Your Evaluation

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Portsmouth Office

14 Manchester Square, Suite 250
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Nashua Office

17 Riverside Street, Suite 205
Nashua, NH 03062