Heel pain

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis

Heel pain is typically felt under the heel or along the inner edge of the sole, and it is often at its worst with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, an overload of the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.

It is common especially among runners and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. With osteopathic treatment and active rehabilitation, heel pain can usually be brought under control.

Runner holding his painful heel during a run

Help for heel pain from osteopathy

Treatment works on the muscles and fascia of the calf, shin and sole, and improves the mobility of the ankle and foot.

Sensible rehabilitation is active: we strengthen the muscles you need for walking and running and adjust the load. Waiting passively at home is the slowest option.

Insoles and taping can help in the early stage. Training follows the 48-hour rule: two days after a session, the pain must not be worse than before it.

Treatment

How treatment works

First we find out when the pain started and what kind of load makes it worse, for example taking up running, your shoes or long days on your feet. I examine how your ankle, foot, calf and whole leg work.

Besides treatment and exercises, we agree on how much to exercise so that your foot gets the right amount of load. Setbacks are a normal part of rehabilitation and do not mean that the problem is getting worse.

Plantar fasciitis is often long-lasting, but most people recover when the load is adjusted and training continues consistently.

Safety

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:

  • the pain started after a fall, a jump from a height or another accident
  • you felt sudden pain at the back of the heel, as if you had been kicked (a possible Achilles tendon rupture)
  • the heel is swollen, red and hot or you have a fever
  • your foot becomes numb or tingles
  • you have pain in both heels and also in other joints or your lower back

Read more

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about heel pain

Answers to the most common questions about heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Osteopathy in Helsinki – services and prices

Osteopathy

60 min

Personal trainer

PT / programming

You can also pay with ePassi and Edenred sports benefits.

Booking

Book an appointment online

Choose a suitable time from the calendar. If you can’t find a time that suits you, you can ask about other available times, for example evening appointments, by calling or texting +358 40 557 3874.

You can also pay with ePassi and Edenred sports benefits.

You’re warmly welcome to my clinic at Läkkisepäntie 11 A in Metsälä, Helsinki!

Clinic

How to find us

Osteopath Jerry Ketola
Läkkisepäntie 11 A
00620 Helsinki

The clinic is conveniently located near major junctions in Metsälä, alongside Tuusulantie and close to Käpylä station. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from both Tikkurila and Leppävaara. My osteopathy practice is situated inside the R5 Athletics & Health gym and wellness facilities. Follow the R5 signs to find the entrance and head to the second floor.